Sir Charles Francis Noel Murless (24 March 1910 – 9 May 1987) was an English racehorse trainer who one of the most successful of the twentieth century.
He also had an outstanding record in The Oaks, saddling no less than five winners: Carrozza (1957), Petite Etoile (1959), Lupe (1970), Altesse Royale (1971) and Mysterious (1973).
His greatest horse was arguably Royal Palace, who preceded his Derby success by winning the 2,000 Guineas, to which he added the Eclipse and the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes the following year.
He first made his mark as a trainer after the Second World War in 1947 by winning two famous handicaps, the Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot with Oros and the Steward's Cup at Glorious Goodwood with Closeburn.
The Bloodstock Breeders Review of 1947 said of Closeburn "The credit of breeding the winner goes to his young trainer who, at the end of the season, followed Fred Darling as the "Master" of the famous Beckhampton stable".
[7] Murless said of Prince Aly Khan in his biography that he was "highly intelligent, a first class judge of a horse and of form and breeding".
Winners in 1953 included the Cork and Orrery with Blood Test at Royal Ascot, and Buckhound in the Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket.
In the same year, at Royal Ascot Gordon Richards won the King Edward VII Stakes on Rashleigh, trained by Noel.
A win for the Queen's Hopeful Venture in the Wood Ditton at the Craven meeting was followed by victories in the two traditional 1,000 Guineas trials for Cranberry Sauce in the Nell Gwynn, and Royal Saint in the Fred Darling.
Royal Palace went on to win the Derby whilst Busted won the Eclipse, King George VI Diamond Stakes and Prix Foy before tendon injury prevented an attempt at the Arc.