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 triumph was especially poignant given the backdrop of the day’s other headlines: Dan Skelton secured his first trainers' championship and shattered the £5 million prize‑money barrier, while tragedy struck when Skelton’s own star, Thistle Ask, suffered a fatal injury in the two‑mile feature. The race unfolded with drama from the start. Mirabad’s jockey Tristan Durrell was forced to pull his mount clear of Thistle Ask, and Joseph O'Brien’s Solness, who had been struggling with the going, fell back, leaving JPR One to take an early lead.

JPR One held the advantage right up to the final furlong, but Edwardstone, starting at 11‑1, began to close the gap under the steady hands of Tom Cannon. The horse surged up the hill that had previously seen Cannon claim the Tingle Creek in December 2022, and the pair pressed hard in the closing stages. After the race, a visibly moved King said, "That is one of the most emotional wins of my career – it felt truly special.

The horse has been in outstanding form; Plumpton sharpened him last time and he was quicker than ever. When Tom asked if he should rev him up at the start, I told him there was no need – the work at Plumpton had already done the job, and he’s a different animal now. I told Tom that if we were a few lengths behind at the Pond Fence, we would have a real chance. The crowd was fantastic, and walking back with Edwardstone was a moment I’ll never forget.

He’s a special horse." King continued, "These are the moments that make us keep going. We have our down days, but today ranks among the very best.

We haven’t had a Grade One win in a while, so this is huge. Perhaps his top‑level days were behind him, but with Jonbon out and the tragedy earlier, the race opened up for us.

We’re not talking retirement now – 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 him racing; he’ll tell me when he’s had enough." Cannon echoed the sentiment, noting how familiar the course felt: "The race unfolded exactly as we expected.

I’ve ridden Edwardstone here so often that the pattern is almost second nature. At the Pond Fence I gave him a gentle squeeze and he responded beautifully.

The work at Plumpton really paid off today. He’s been a great servant, giving me many wonderful days, and this could be the pinnacle of them all. The crowd gave us a massive cheer, and to win on the final day of the season is remarkable.

Alan King deserves huge credit for keeping the horse in top condition." The day was not without sorrow. A statement from Sandown Racing clarified the fate of Thistle Ask: "Thistle Ask sustained an injury during the bet365 Celebration Chase. He was examined on the course by our specialist veterinary team, and after careful consideration, it was decided that humane euthanasia was the most compassionate option for his welfare. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his caretakers and all his connections." While Edwardstone’s victory dominated the headlines, another story unfolded in the bet365 Gold Cup later that afternoon.

Havaila, a seven‑year‑old trained by Gary and Josh Moore, continued his rapid ascent under a patient ride from Caoilin Quinn. Despite a field that was thinner than in previous years, Havaila proved his class, emerging as a genuine Grand National prospect. Having previously won the Sussex National, Havaila carried a ten‑pound penalty but still entered the race as a 5‑1 contender.

Throughout the contest, Quinn kept the horse in a strong position, and even when Our Power and Road To Home challenged at the Pond Fence, Havaila stayed on a powerful stride. He crossed the line a short head ahead of Our Power, with Road To Home a neck behind in third.

Gary Moore praised both horse and jockey: "Caoilin gave a fantastic ride, switching him off smoothly. He’s stepped up this year and deserves the credit. I thought we’d have a lot of ground to make up, but we managed. He’s travelled a lot and just got there, and at least he won’t be carrying the extra ten pounds next time.

Let’s hope he’s fit for tomorrow’s ground and distance – we’re thinking about the Grand National route, but first we’ll enjoy today’s win and look ahead to next season." The Celebration Chase and Gold Cup highlighted the highs and lows that define National Hunt racing. Edwardstone’s win demonstrated that experience and careful preparation can still outshine youthful exuberance, while the tragic loss of Thistle Ask reminded everyone of the sport’s inherent risks.

Meanwhile, Havaila’s emergence as a potential Grand National star added a fresh narrative to the season’s closing chapters. For fans who want to stay up‑to‑date, Sky Sports Racing continues to provide the latest racing news, interviews, and features, ensuring that every twist and turn of the sport is captured in real time.