Noel Murless

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Sir Charles Francis Noel Murless (known as Noel) (March 24, 1910-1987) began his career as a racehorse trainer in 1935 at Hambleton Lodge in Yorkshire (where Kevin Ryan now trains) before moving to Hambleton House (where Bryan Smart is now based) after the war, at one time sharing premises with the equally legendary Ryan Price [1]. In 1947, he moved south, first to Beckhampton, Wiltshire (where he was champion trainer in his first season) and then onto Warren Place, Newmarket (where his one-time son-in-law Henry Cecil still trains). He retired in 1976 and was knighted the following year.

Over the years Sir Noel enjoyed nineteen classic wins. Of these there were three Epsom Derby wins, with Crepello (1957), St. Paddy (1960) and Royal Palace (1967). Like his Warren Place successor, he also had an outstanding record in the Epsom Oaks, saddling no less than five winners. His greatest horse was Royal Palace who preceded his Derby success by winning the 2,000 Guineas, to which he added the Eclipse and the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes the following year.