Former Grand National winner Noble Yeats dies aged 11 after colic bout
Former Grand National champion Noble Yeats has died at the age of 11 after suffering a fatal bout of colic at his owner’s Oxfordshire stud.
The celebrated horse passed away on Thursday after veterinarians spent the previous night battling to save him.
Owner Robert Waley-Cohen confirmed the difficult decision was made to put the gelding down when it became clear a recovery was impossible.
Aintree glory and peaceful retirement
The 11-year-old achieved racing immortality by securing a historic victory in the world’s most famous steeplechase.
That memorable triumph provided the perfect farewell for amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen, who announced his immediate retirement from the saddle following the race.
Since stepping away from the track, the Aintree champion had been enjoying a quiet life in the paddocks.
He shared his final days in the field alongside former Gold Cup winner Long Run and 2011 Grand National runner-up Oscar Time.
Overnight battle to save a champion
The sudden onset of illness on Wednesday prompted an immediate and intensive veterinary response at the stud.
He looked very uncomfortable on Wednesday so the vet came out and everybody was up all night treating him and hoping he would pull through, but unfortunately he went the other way.
Robert Waley-Cohen described the loss as a deeply saddening experience for everyone involved with the famous racing family.
It was a grim moment. He was enormous fun at the National and afterwards.
The owner reflected fondly on the extraordinary achievement of winning the prestigious Merseyside race with his own son on board.
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.
