For the second time in a week, trainer Ed Walker and jockey Kieran Shoemark stunned racegoers with another upset victory, as Noble Champion powered home to win the Group 3 Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot. The three-year-old colt, sent off at long odds of 25/1, showcased his class in emphatic style, storming down the straight to secure a dominant three-and-a-quarter-length win.
Back at seven furlongs after recent sprinting efforts, Noble Champion benefitted from an ideal pace scenario set by front-runner Spy Chief. Although he drifted slightly in the closing stages, the result was never in doubt as he crossed the finish line comfortably ahead of the pack. Spy Chief, a 20/1 shot himself, stayed on strongly for second, while the 11/4 favourite, Comanche Brave, could manage only third—trailing behind the leading duo.
This result marks the second major winner at long odds for the Walker-Shoemark partnership during the Royal Ascot meeting, following the 22/1 success of Never Let Go in the Sandringham Stakes earlier in the week. For Walker, it was a sweet moment of validation after a challenging campaign with Noble Champion, who had shown tremendous promise early in the season.
Walker reflected on the journey with visible relief. The colt had faced a disrupted preparation due to an early-season setback that derailed plans for the Greenham Stakes. Attempts to establish him as a miler at Goodwood didn’t pan out due to pace-related issues, and a drop back to six furlongs at Newbury also failed to unlock his potential. Still, the belief in Noble Champion never wavered behind the scenes.
The trainer credited owner Simon Sadler for his unwavering support and revealed that Sadler would be donating all of the prize money from this win to a charity supporting pancreatic and liver disease. His commitment to the stable and generosity was praised as a vital pillar of their continued success.
Jockey Shoemark was full of praise for the colt, noting how the Ascot track’s stiff seven-furlong layout suited Noble Champion perfectly. The strong early pace allowed the horse to settle into a comfortable rhythm, and when asked to quicken, he responded with class. Although a little green in front due to inexperience, the colt’s raw talent was clear for all to see.
Shoemark also paid tribute to the hardworking team at Walker’s yard, highlighting the strength of the operation and the consistency of their horses throughout the week. For the rider, it marked his third win at Royal Ascot—an achievement he cherishes.
Runner-up Spy Chief, handled by John and Thady Gosden and piloted by Robert Havlin, lost nothing in defeat. Still learning the ropes after just a few runs, the colt is expected to improve with experience and more racing exposure. Meanwhile, Donnacha O’Brien, trainer of Comanche Brave, accepted the outcome with grace, admitting the top two were simply better on the day.
The Jersey Stakes served as a stage for redemption and resurgence, not just for Noble Champion, but for a team that had backed him unwaveringly. With this win, Ed Walker secured his fifth Royal Ascot victory, while Kieran Shoemark celebrated his third, both reaffirming their growing reputation in elite racing circles.
