Alan King’s seasoned campaigner Edwardstone captured his fourth Grade One victory in the bet365 Celebration Chase at Sandown, delivering a memorable win that seemed to rewind the clock for the veteran horse. The day was marked by several notable storylines: Dan Skelton achieved his first champion‑trainer title and broke the £5 million prize‑money barrier, while his star performer Thistle Ask suffered a tragic, fatal injury during the two‑mile contest. The incident involving Thistle Ask unfolded when his stablemate Mirabad, ridden by Tristan Durrell, was forced to avoid him, resulting in Durrell’s fall.
Meanwhile, Joseph O'Brien’s Solness failed to find a suitable rhythm on the day, leaving JPR One to lead for a spell. As the race unfolded, JPR One was pressed tightly at the finish, giving Edwardstone, a 11‑1 outsider, and his jockey Tom Cannon the opportunity to surge up the hill.
Edwardstone, who had previously claimed the Tingle Creek at the same venue in December 2022, responded with a strong finishing drive. King described the victory as “one of the most emotional wins” of his career. He explained that a preparatory run at Plumpton had sharpened the horse, noting, “He’d never been that quick in his life. Tom asked if we should rev him up at the start and I said there’s no need – Plumpton did the job and he’s a different horse now.” King added that a tactical move at the Pond Fence could prove decisive: “If you’re a couple of lengths off him there, we’ll have a hell of a chance.” He praised the atmosphere, the crowd’s enthusiasm, and Edwardstone’s special character, saying, “This is why we do it.
There are many down days, but today sits right up there with the best.” Reflecting on the broader context, King acknowledged the absence of Jonbon and the sorrow surrounding Thistle Ask’s demise, which had opened up the race for his own runner. He dismissed retirement talk, insisting that Edwardstone still loves the hill that he has tackled countless times at home: “He still attacks it every morning. That’s why I want to keep going with him – he’ll tell me when he’s had enough.” Tom Cannon echoed the sentiment, noting how familiar the race pattern felt after numerous rides at Sandown. “The race unfolded perfectly.
I gave him a squeeze at the Pond Fence and he finished nicely. The Plumpton run really put him in good shape, and we saw the benefit today.” He lauded Edwardstone’s consistency and the connection with the public, adding, “He’s a proper story; people follow him, and the cheers were fantastic. To win on the final day of the season is remarkable, and Alan King deserves huge credit.” The tragedy of Thistle Ask was confirmed by a statement from Sandown: the horse sustained an injury during the Celebration Chase, was examined by the track’s specialist veterinary team, and was humanely euthanised for welfare reasons.
The statement extended heartfelt condolences to his connections and caretakers. Elsewhere at Sandown, Havaila continued his rapid ascent under the patient guidance of jockey Caoilin Quinn, taking the bet365 Gold Cup. Although the field was smaller than in previous years, the seven‑year‑old, owned by Gary and Josh Moore, proved a genuine Grand National prospect. After winning the Sussex National in his previous outing, Havaila carried a ten‑pound penalty but remained a 5‑to‑1 favourite, staying prominent throughout the race.
Approaching the final fence, Havaila appeared to be losing ground to Our Power and Road To Home, but he steadied his stride and rallied to catch Our Power on the line, securing victory by a short head, with Road To Home a neck back in third. Gary Moore praised both horse and rider: “Caoilin gave him a great ride and switched him off well.
He’s stepped up this year and deserves the credit.” He noted the horse’s resilience, saying, “He had a lot of ground to make up, but he did it. He’s travelled a lot and only just got there, but at least he won’t be carrying the extra ten pounds next time.” Moore expressed optimism about Havaila’s future, hinting at a possible Grand National campaign while also looking ahead to the next season. Overall, the Celebration Chase weekend delivered a blend of triumph and tragedy, showcasing the highs and lows inherent in National Hunt racing. Edwardstone’s win highlighted the value of patient preparation and the deep bond between horse and trainer, while Thistle Ask’s loss reminded the sport of its inherent risks.
Meanwhile, Havaila’s Gold Cup success added another promising chapter to a young horse’s burgeoning career, setting the stage for future ambitions at the sport’s most iconic events. Fans can stay updated with the latest racing news, interviews, and feature stories across platforms, ensuring they never miss a moment of the action. The excitement at Sandown continues to reverberate, underscoring why the sport captivates audiences season after season.