Beginning his career in the saddle as a professional jump jockey, Sir Noel Murless quickly took to the sport, demonstrating an aptitude that resembled someone who well and truly belonged in racing.
Under Martin Hartigan, a young Murless quickly learned the ropes and it wasn’t long before his attention turned to training. In 1935, he took out his own training licence, establishing a base in Hambleton, Yorkshire and soon forged a reputation for getting the very best out of average horses.
Following the end of World War II, in 1947, Murless saw his career trajectory shift considerably, when he was selected to succeed the legendary Fred Darling at Beckhampton Stables in Wiltshire; essentially the equivalent of being handed the recipe for success.
Not only did Murless inherit a world class facility, but also the association with Sir Gordon Richards, who was at the time, considered to be the greatest jockey of his era.
During his first season (1948) at Beckhampton, Murless was crowned the British Champion Trainer, while also securing the 1,000 Guineas with Queenpot, in addition to training notable sprinter Abernant who Richards later revealed was the fastest horse he ever rode.
His fantastic track record at Beckhampton led to many top tier owners being attracted to his abilities and as such, entrusted their horses to his tutelage. Indeed, he also became established as “Royal Trainer”; a role he accomplished with sublime excellence throughout his career.
The Warren Place Dynasty
In 1952, Murless moved to Warren Place, Newmarket; a relocation that would prove to be pivotal for his career and, as a result, he truly cemented his status as a titan of the sport, training there until he retired in 1976.
During his time there, Murless further added to his success. In 1967, he enjoyed one of the best years of his career. He won the 2000 Guineas and the Derby with Royal Palace in addition to the 1000 Guineas with Fleet
Meanwhile, Murless also won nine Champion Trainer titles (1948, 1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1967, 1968, 1970, and 1973); this being a major testament to his success spanning three decades.
Indeed, he trained three Epsom Derby winners; Crepello (1957), St Paddy (1960), and Royal Palace (1967), as well as gaining five wins in The Oaks, with stars such as Petite Etoile, Altesse Royale, and Mysterious; the former being widely considered his greatest masterpiece, also winning the 1000 Guineas.
Following the retirement of Richards, Murless appointed Lester Piggot, who would go on to become arguably, the best jockey of his era with the partnership proving to be especially profitable.
However, the duo’s relationship was strained at times; Murless having an old school employer-employee mentality, whereas Piggott viewed this relationship in more of a freelance capacity.
Murless Success Recognised In The Highest Form
Following his retirement in 1976, Murless handed the reigns of Warren Place to his Son-in-Law, Sir Henry Cecil, which ensured the yard as an epicentre of racing genius for another generation.
His service to the sport meant that one year later, he was honoured in the most notable form, with Queen Elizabeth II knighting him, shining a light on his remarkable achievements in the sport.
Murless to this day, remains a legend of horse racing and is fondly remembered by many horse racing enthusiasts.