Noble Yeats, the 50-1 outsider who won the 2022 Grand National, has died aged 11 after a bout of colic. The horse, trained by Emmet Mullins, was retired last year due to arthritis and had been living in a field with former champions Long Run and Oscar Time.
Ridden by amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen in his final career race, Noble Yeats produced one of the greatest upsets in the race's history. Waley-Cohen paid tribute, saying: 'He gave us one of the great days of our lives and fulfilled our dreams. His ability outstripped his looks – he grew into a great champion.'
Noble Yeats won seven of his 24 races, earning over £750,000 in prize money. He also won the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2024 under Harry Cobden, and made two further Grand National appearances, finishing fourth in 2023 and out of contention in 2024.
Owner Robert Waley-Cohen, who bought the horse just two months before his National victory, described the 'grim moment' when his health deteriorated. He said: 'He looked very uncomfortable on Wednesday, so the vet came out and everybody was up all night treating him, but unfortunately he went the other way.'
He added: 'The memories of the National are unbelievable – you could not have a better day. It’s the dream of a lifetime to win the National, and to win it with your son made it even more special.'
