Alan King’s seasoned veteran, Edwardstone, added a fourth Grade One victory to his impressive résumé by winning the bet365 Celebration Chase at Sandown. The win was especially poignant on a day that also saw Dan Skelton claim his first champion trainer title and become the inaugural trainer to break the £5 million prize‑money milestone. Tragically, Skelton’s own star, Thistle Ask, who had dominated the season, suffered a fatal injury during the two‑mile contest, casting a somber shadow over an otherwise celebratory afternoon. The race unfolded dramatically.
A mishap involving Thistle Ask forced his stablemate Mirabad’s jockey, Tristan Durrell, to take evasive action, and Joseph O’Brien’s Solness struggled to find footing on the day’s going. This left JPR One to lead for a spell, but he was soon pressured by a closing surge from Edwardstone, who started at 11‑1 odds.
Tom Cannon, the Irish jockey, guided the gelding into a tight final run, allowing Edwardstone to surge up the hill that had previously witnessed his Tingle Creek victory in December 2022. After the finish, King could barely contain his emotion. “This is one of the most emotional wins of my career,” he said. “He’s been in superb form, and Plumpton really sharpened him.
He’s never been this quick. When Tom asked if we should rev him up at the start, I told him there was no need – the work at Plumpton had already done the trick, and he’s a different horse now.” King continued, “I told Tom that if he could be a few lengths off at the Pond Fence, we’d have a huge chance. The day was wonderful, the crowd was fantastic, and walking back with him was a thrill. He’s a special horse, and moments like this remind us why we do this.
We’ve had our share of down days, but this one sits right up there with the best. It’s been a while since we’ve had a Grade One, so it feels great. Perhaps his Grade One days were behind him, but with Jonbon not running and the tragedy earlier, the race opened up for us.” He added a note of optimism about the future, “We’re not talking retirement yet. I might even finish before him.
He’s tackled our home hill thousands of times and still attacks it each morning. That’s why I want to keep going with him – he’ll tell me when he’s had enough.” Cannon, who has partnered Edwardstone for several seasons, echoed the sentiment. “The race unfolded exactly as we hoped.
I’ve ridden him around this course so often that the pattern is almost familiar. At the Pond Fence I gave him a squeeze, and he responded beautifully. Plumpton really put him in the right frame of mind, and today we reaped the benefits.” He praised the horse’s consistency, “He’s been a great servant, giving me many wonderful days, and this could be the pinnacle of them all.
The story is genuine – people follow him, and the cheers when he crossed the line were massive. To achieve this on the final day of the season is remarkable, and Alan King deserves huge credit for keeping the horse in top condition.” The incident involving Thistle Ask prompted a statement from Sandown Racecourse: “Thistle Ask sustained an injury during the bet365 Celebration Chase.
He was examined on‑course by our specialist veterinary team, and it was determined that humane euthanasia was the most compassionate option for his welfare. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his connections and everyone who cared for him daily.” The meeting also featured a thrilling performance from Havaila, who continued his rapid ascent under a patient ride from Caoilin Quinn to claim the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown. Although the field was smaller than in previous years, the seven‑year‑old trained by Gary and Josh Moore proved his mettle as a genuine Grand National prospect.
Having won the Sussex National in his last start, Havaila carried a ten‑pound penalty but still entered the race as a 5‑1 contender. Throughout the contest he stayed prominent, tracking the leaders and only showing a brief hesitation at the Pond Fence when Our Power and Road To Home made their moves. In the final furlong, Havaila found a second wind, powering past Our Power to win by a short head, with Road To Home a neck further back in third.
Gary Moore praised both horse and rider, “Caoilin gave a fantastic ride and switched him off nicely. He’s stepped up this year and deserves the credit.
I thought he’d have a lot of ground to make up, but he did it. He’s travelled a great distance and just got there, and at least he won’t be carrying an extra ten pounds next time.
Let’s hope he’s sound tomorrow after running on this ground over that distance.” Moore hinted at future ambitions, “We might have to target the Grand National after this, but let’s finish today and think about next season in the autumn. He’s heading in the right direction and just starting to come into his own.
Adding this race to his CV is fantastic, and we’re incredibly lucky to have him.” Overall, the Celebration Chase delivered a mix of triumph, tragedy, and hopeful prospects for the future. Edwardstone’s victory underscored the value of patient training and the deep bond between horse and rider, while the loss of Thistle Ask reminded the racing community of the sport’s inherent risks. Meanwhile, Havaila’s Gold Cup win provided a glimpse of the next generation of stayers poised to challenge the Grand National in years to come.