Alan King’s seasoned gelding, Edwardstone, added a fourth Grade One victory to his impressive résumé by winning the bet365 Celebration Chase at Sandown. The win was especially poignant given the day’s other headlines: Dan Skelton secured his first trainer’s championship and broke the £5 million prize‑money ceiling, while his own star, Thistle Ask, suffered a tragic, fatal injury during the two‑mile contest. The race unfolded dramatically.
Thistle Ask, who had been the season’s standout, collided with stablemate Mirabad, causing jockey Tristan Durrell to be unseated as he attempted to avoid the fallen horse. With Joseph O’Brien’s Solness unable to find a rhythm on the day, JPR One briefly took the lead, only to be pressured by the late‑closing Edwardstone, who entered the final stretch at 11‑1 odds. Tom Cannon, riding Edwardstone, timed his move perfectly, urging the horse up the steep hill that had previously seen the gelding claim the Tingle Creek in December 2022.
After the race, King described the victory as “one of the most emotional wins of my career.” He explained that a sharp performance at Plumpton had sharpened Edwardstone’s speed, saying, “He’d never been that quick before. Tom asked if we should rev him up at the start, but I told him there was no need – the work at Plumpton had done the job, and he’s a different horse now.” King added that a small margin at the Pond Fence could have made all the difference, and he praised the crowd’s enthusiasm, noting, “It was a wonderful day, and walking back with him was tremendous.
He’s a special horse.” King reflected on the broader context, acknowledging the sadness surrounding Thistle Ask’s demise and the absence of Jonbon, another top contender. “We’ve not had a Grade One win in a while, so this means a lot. Perhaps his Grade One days were behind him, but with the tragedy at the back of the field, the race opened up for us,” he said.
He also hinted at the future, stating that retirement is not on the agenda yet: “He still attacks the hill every morning, and I’ll keep going with him until he tells me he’s had enough.” Cannon echoed King’s sentiments, emphasizing how familiar the course has become for the pair. “The race unfolded exactly as we expected. I’ve ridden him around this track countless times, and the pattern is always similar.
The Plumpton run really prepared him, and today we saw the benefit,” he explained. Cannon praised Edwardstone’s consistency, calling him “a servant” who has given him many great days, and suggested this victory could be the pinnacle of their partnership. He also lauded King’s training, saying, “Alan deserves a lot of credit for getting this horse to this level.” The incident involving Thistle Ask prompted a statement from Sandown officials: “Thistle Ask sustained an injury in the bet365 Celebration Chase. He was examined by the course’s specialist veterinary team, and for the horse’s welfare it was decided that humane euthanasia was the most appropriate course of action.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to his connections and everyone who cared for him daily.” The day also featured a notable performance from Havaila, who continued his rapid ascent under the patient guidance of jockey Caoilin Quinn. The seven‑year‑old, owned by Gary and Josh Moore, proved himself a genuine Grand National prospect. After winning the Sussex National in his previous outing, Havaila carried an additional ten pounds but still displayed a strong turn of foot, staying with the leaders for most of the race. In the final furlong, despite an awkward stride at the last fence, he surged forward to edge out Our Power by a short head, with Road To Home a neck behind in third place.
Gary Moore praised both horse and rider after the win: “Caoilin gave him a great ride and got him switched off well. He’s stepped up this year and deserves the credit. I thought we’d have a lot of ground to make up, but he travelled and only just got there. At least he won’t be carrying that extra ten pounds next time.” Moore expressed optimism about Havaila’s future, noting, “We might aim for the Grand National after this, but let’s enjoy today and look ahead to next season in the autumn.
He’s heading in the right direction and finally coming into his own. It’s a fantastic addition to his CV, and we’re lucky to have him.” Overall, the Celebration Chase delivered a mix of triumph and tragedy, showcasing the highs and lows inherent in National Hunt racing. Edwardstone’s victory demonstrated the value of experience, careful preparation, and a deep bond between horse and rider, while the loss of Thistle Ask reminded the sport of its fragile nature. Meanwhile, emerging talents like Havaila offered a glimpse of the next generation of champions, ensuring that the excitement of British jump racing will continue well into the future.