James Doyle cherishes the memory of riding Noble Mission to victory in the 2014 Qipco Champion Stakes, a momentous and emotional day at Ascot. Noble Mission, a full-brother to the legendary Frankel, carried the weight of high expectations throughout his career. Under the care of Lady Jane Cecil, following the death of her husband Sir Henry Cecil in 2013, Noble Mission flourished and honoured the legacy of his brother and his late trainer.
On October 18, 2014, Noble Mission triumphed at Ascot, the same course where Frankel had left his mark in the Champion Stakes two years earlier. This victory was especially poignant, as it came less than 18 months after Sir Henry’s passing. Doyle, who wore the renowned Juddmonte silks that day, recalls the emotional weight of the occasion, with tears shed in remembrance of Cecil’s profound impact on racing.
Doyle’s victory with Noble Mission was the culmination of a remarkable season as Prince Khalid Abdullah’s retained rider, with notable successes that year, including with the brilliant Kingman. Noble Mission’s win marked the end of his nine-win career, with the horse’s resurgence credited to a change in tactics suggested by Prince Khalid, allowing him to thrive in his five-year-old season.
Noble Mission’s triumph was made even more special for Doyle as it involved a hard-fought battle with Al Kazeem, a horse with whom Doyle had previously found success. For Doyle, this victory remains an unforgettable highlight in his career.