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 will be remembered for both triumph and tragedy. While King celebrated a deeply emotional victory, the day was also marked by Dan Skelton’s historic achievement as champion trainer, breaking the £5 million prize‑money barrier for the first time, and the heartbreaking loss of Thistle Ask, who suffered a fatal injury during the two‑mile contest.
The race unfolded with a dramatic series of events. Stablemate Mirabad, ridden by Tristan Durrell, was forced to pull up after an attempt to avoid Thistle Ask, who had been a standout performer all season.
Meanwhile, Joseph O'Brien’s Solness failed to find a rhythm on the day, allowing JPR One to take an early lead. JPR One held the advantage until the final furlong, when Edwardstone, starting at 11‑1, was urged forward by Tom Cannon. The veteran horse surged up the hill at the iconic Pond Fence, a spot where he had previously secured the Tingle Creek Stakes in December 2022, and managed to edge past his rivals in the closing stages.
King described the win as "one of the most emotional victories" of his career. He praised Edwardstone’s recent form, noting that a sharpening run at Plumpton had unlocked a new level of speed. "Tom asked if I wanted to rev him up at the start and I said there’s no need – the work at Plumpton did the job and he’s a different horse now," King explained. He added that a few lengths advantage at the Pond Fence would give them a strong chance, and that the atmosphere in the stands was "superb".
King reflected on the broader significance of the win, saying, "We’ve not had a Grade One for a while, so this is a big boost. Perhaps his Grade One days were behind him, but with Jonbon out and the tragedy earlier, the race opened up for us." The jockey, Tom Cannon, also expressed his admiration for the horse, calling Edwardstone a "servant" who has given him many great days. He highlighted the consistency of the horse’s performance at the course, noting that the race unfolded exactly as they had anticipated. "The race worked out perfectly.
I’ve ridden him here so many times; the pattern is always similar. The work at Plumpton really stood him in good stead today," Cannon said. He emphasized the crowd’s reaction, describing the cheers as a testament to Edwardstone’s popularity, and gave credit to King for the preparation that made the victory possible. The incident involving Thistle Ask prompted an official statement from Sandown Racecourse.
The horse sustained a severe injury during the Celebration Chase and was examined by the track’s specialist veterinary team. After careful assessment, the decision was made to humanely euthanise the animal in the interest of his welfare.
The statement expressed heartfelt condolences to the horse’s connections and caretakers. In other Sandown action, Havaila continued his rapid ascent under the patient guidance of jockey Caoilin Quinn, clinching the bet365 Gold Cup. Although the field was smaller than in previous years, the seven‑year‑old, owned by Gary and Josh Moore, proved his mettle as a genuine Grand National prospect.
Having previously won the Sussex National, Havaila carried a 10‑pound penalty but still entered the race as a 5‑to‑1 favorite. Throughout the contest he stayed prominent, battling with Our Power and Road To Home.
Despite a momentary stumble at the final fence, Havaila rallied to edge out Our Power by a short head, with Road To Home a neck behind in third. Gary Moore praised both horse and rider after the win.
"Caoilin gave him a great ride and got him switched off well enough. She’s stepped up this year and deserves the credit," Moore said.
He noted that Havaila had to make up significant ground but showed resilience, adding, "He’s travelled a lot and just got there, but at least he won without the extra 10‑pound penalty next time. Let’s hope he’s fit tomorrow for the long‑distance test and that he stays healthy for the Grand National route we’re considering." Overall, the Sandown meeting delivered a mix of elation and sorrow.
Edwardstone’s victory demonstrated that age can be just a number when a horse is properly prepared and motivated, while the loss of Thistle Ask reminded everyone of the inherent risks of the sport. Meanwhile, emerging stars like Havaila provided a glimpse of the future, hinting at potential Grand National contenders. Fans can stay up to date with the latest racing news, interviews, and features through Sky Sports Racing and other dedicated platforms, ensuring they never miss a story from the world of horse racing.