Alan King’s seasoned campaigner Edwardstone added a fourth Grade One triumph to his impressive résumé by winning the bet365 Celebration Chase at Sandown, a race that also marked a historic day for trainer Dan Skelton. Skelton secured his inaugural Champion Trainer title and became the first trainer to break the £5 million prize‑money ceiling, yet his own star, Thistle Ask, suffered a tragic, fatal injury during the two‑mile contest. The incident unfolded when Thistle Ask, who had been the season’s standout, fell and was quickly attended to by Sandown’s on‑site veterinary team.
After a thorough assessment, the vets concluded that humane euthanasia was the most compassionate option for the horse’s welfare. The decision was deeply felt by his connections, who were praised for the care they provided throughout his career. In the chaos that followed, stablemate Mirabad lost jockey Tristan Durrell while attempting to avoid the fallen Thistle Ask.
Meanwhile, Joseph O'Brien’s Solness, who had been a strong contender, was unable to find his rhythm on the day’s going. This left JPR One to take an early lead, but the race remained tightly contested right to the finish line. Edwardstone, sent off at 11‑1, was ridden by Tom Cannon, who had been watching his mount’s form improve steadily after a sharp performance at Plumpton. As the field approached the final climb, Cannon positioned Edwardstone just behind the leaders, conserving energy for a decisive run up the hill.
The horse responded with a powerful surge, overtaking the tiring front‑runners and holding on to claim the win by a narrow margin. After the race, an emotional Alan King praised the achievement, saying, “This is one of the most moving victories of my career. Edwardstone has been in outstanding condition, and the work we did at Plumpton really sharpened him.
He’s never been as quick as he was today.” King explained that he had advised Cannon not to over‑push the horse at the start, trusting that the preparation at Plumpton had already done the heavy lifting. “If you’re a few lengths behind at the Pond Fence, you have a real chance,” he added, noting the supportive atmosphere from the crowd and the significance of the win after a long Grade One drought for his stable. King also reflected on the broader context of the day, acknowledging the sorrow surrounding Thistle Ask’s loss and the absence of another top contender, Jonbon.
“We’re not talking about retirement now; I still see Edwardstone tackling that hill at home every day, and he attacks it with the same enthusiasm as ever,” King said. “That’s why I want to keep him racing as long as he’s happy and healthy.” Tom Cannon echoed the trainer’s sentiments, highlighting how the race unfolded exactly as they had anticipated. “The pattern of the race was familiar to me; we hit the Pond Fence, I gave him a gentle squeeze, and he responded beautifully,” Cannon explained. He credited the Plumpton run for giving Edwardstone the stamina and confidence needed for Sandown’s demanding finish.
“He’s been a great servant to us, delivering memorable days, and today might be the best of them all. The crowd’s roar was incredible, and Alan deserves huge credit for preparing this horse.” The incident with Thistle Ask prompted an official statement from Sandown Racecourse, which expressed deep sympathy for the horse’s connections and affirmed that the decision to euthanise was made with the animal’s welfare as the paramount concern. The Celebration Chase also featured a notable performance from Havaila, a seven‑year‑old trained by Gary and Josh Moore. Under the patient guidance of jockey Caoilin Quinn, Havaila secured a dramatic win in the bet365 Gold Cup, further underscoring the quality of the day’s racing despite a slightly reduced field compared with previous years.
Havaila, who had previously claimed the Sussex National, carried a ten‑pound penalty but still entered the race as a 5‑1 contender. Throughout the contest, Quinn kept the horse in contention, and even when the pace slowed at the final Pond Fence, Havaila found an extra gear.
He battled with Our Power and Road To Home, ultimately edging out Our Power by a short head, with Road To Home a neck behind in third place. Gary Moore praised both the horse and his rider after the finish: “Caoilin gave Havaila a brilliant ride and timed the finish perfectly. He’s progressed a lot this year and deserves the credit.
We thought we’d have to make up a lot of ground, but he managed to pull through. He’s travelled well and, importantly, he won without the extra ten pounds next time, which is a huge relief.” Moore added that the victory positions Havaila as a serious Grand National prospect, though the connections will assess his condition before committing to that challenge. “We’ll see how he feels tomorrow on the softer ground. If all goes well, the Grand National could be the next step, but for now we’re just happy to have this win on his record.” Overall, the bet365 Celebration Chase delivered a mix of triumph and tragedy, showcasing the highs and lows that define National Hunt racing.
Edwardstone’s victory demonstrated the value of patient preparation and strategic riding, while the loss of Thistle Ask reminded the sport of its inherent risks. The day’s outcomes will be remembered not only for the records broken and titles claimed but also for the emotional resonance they carried for trainers, jockeys, owners, and fans alike.