News broke over the weekend that 2022 Grand National hero Noble Yeats had died after a bout of colic. The Aintree warrior passed away age 11. The Scottish Grand National was run on Saturday, meanwhile, with Kap Vert victorious.
To start the week, here is today’s racing news round-up for Monday.
Noble Yeats dies aged 11
The unlikeliest Grand National winner of modern times, Noble Yeats, passed away aged 11 on Saturday. The Waley-Cohen-owned superstar lost his battle against colic at the weekend. Noble Yeats was the longest-priced winner since 2013 when scoring in a 50/1 upset in the 2022 Grand National. He was partnered by amateur Sam Waley-Cohen, who succeeded in winning the National on his final ride under rules. Noble Yeats was also fourth in a Cheltenham Gold Cup during a stellar career. (BBC)
Scottish Grand National won by Kap Vert
Another progressive youngster claimed the Scottish Grand National as Kap Vert won at Ayr on Saturday. Philip Hobbs & Johnson White’s charge beat Git Maker by a length-and-a-half. He remains only a six-year-old novice chaser, but showed an abundance of stamina to gallop through the line. Only six horses finished in attritional conditions, with multiple non-runners on the day ensuring only 16 horses went to post. (Daily Record)
Albert Einstein a work in progress but O’Brien uncoveres new gem
Albert Einstein continued his winless start to the 2026 flat season after finishing third in the Greenham Stakes. The Newbury Group 3 was won by Alparslan for Karl Burke as the 2000 Guineas approaches. Albert Einstein’s trainer Aidan O’Brien is not ruling out a tilt at the Newmarket Classic after the son of Wootton Bassett saw out the 7f trip better than at the Curragh. However, sprinting now appears the goal, as a supplementary fee will be required to run in the 2000 Guineas. (Racing Post)
Ballydoyle may have unearthed their latest gem though, as Great Barrier Reef won in fine style on debut. The No Nay Never colt won by six lengths in a Curragh 6f maiden on Sunday. The O’Brien runner was backed into 4/9 to win under Ryan Moore, which he did in some style. Bookmakers are already running for cover regarding Royal Ascot, as he is as a short as 2/1 in places for the Coventry Stakes on the opening day. (Racing TV)
Apprehension at Tattersalls sales due to Middle East conflict
Only 141 of the 182 nominated lots for the Craven Breeze Up Sale at Tattersalls. Uncertainty surrounding the Middle East conflict saw some of the big players withhold their strongest bids. The breeze up sales are the big opportunities for vendors to sell towards some of the most powerful racing and ownership operations. (Daily Telegraph)