Alan King’s seasoned gelding Edwardstone captured his fourth Grade One triumph in the bet365 Celebration Chase at Sandown, proving that experience can still outshine youthful exuberance. The win was set against a dramatic backdrop: Dan Skelton secured his inaugural champion‑trainer title and broke the £5 million prize‑money ceiling for the first time, while his star pupil Thistle Ask suffered a tragic, fatal injury during the two‑mile contest.
The race unfolded with chaos when Thistle Ask’s stablemate Mirabad, ridden by Tristan Durrell, was forced to pull up after an evasive maneuver, and Joseph O’Brien’s Solness struggled on a less than ideal day. This left JPR One in the lead for a spell, but he was soon pressed tightly by the field as they approached the final furlong.
Edwardstone, sent off at 11‑1, and his jockey Tom Cannon, seized the opportunity, accelerating up the steep hill that had previously seen Edwardstone claim the Tingle Creek in December 2022. After the finish, King described the moment as “one of the most emotional wins of my career, truly special.” He explained that a preparatory run at Plumpton had sharpened the horse, giving him a speed he had never displayed before. “Tom asked if I wanted a strong start, but I told him the work at Plumpton was enough – the horse is a different animal now,” King recalled.
He added that a tactical move at the Pond Fence, where he instructed Cannon to stay a few lengths behind, set them up for a decisive run. “The crowd was fantastic, and walking back with Edwardstone felt like a celebration of everything we’ve worked for,” he said, noting that despite recent setbacks, the victory felt like a return to the pinnacle of his racing life. King also reflected on the broader context of the day, acknowledging the sorrow surrounding Thistle Ask’s demise and the absence of Jonbon, another top contender.
“We’re not talking about retirement yet – I might even outlive him,” he joked, emphasizing that Edwardstone still attacks the home hill with the same vigor as when he first started. “He tells me when he’s had enough, and I intend to keep him racing as long as he wants.” Tom Cannon echoed the sentiment, praising the race’s execution and the preparation at Plumpton.
“The race unfolded exactly as we expected. I’ve ridden this course countless times, and the pattern is familiar. The squeeze at the Pond Fence gave him the momentum he needed,” Cannon said. He highlighted the importance of the Plumpton run, noting that it “really put him in the right frame of mind for today.” Cannon lauded Edwardstone’s consistency, calling him “a servant of the sport who has given me many great days, and this could be the best of them.” He also commended King’s training, stating that the trainer deserved “a lot of credit for keeping this horse at the top of his game.” The incident involving Thistle Ask prompted an official statement from Sandown Racecourse: “Thistle Ask sustained an injury in the bet365 Celebration Chase.
He was examined on‑course by our specialist veterinary team, and for the welfare of the horse, the humane decision was made to euthanise him. Our thoughts are with his connections and those who cared for him daily.” In another highlight of the meeting, Havaila continued his rapid ascent under the patient guidance of jockey Caoilin Quinn, seizing the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown. Although the field was thinner than in previous years, the seven‑year‑old owned by Gary and Josh Moore proved his mettle, emerging as a genuine Grand National prospect. Having previously won the Sussex National, Havaila carried ten pounds more than his last outing, yet the 5‑1 shot dominated much of the race.
He faced a late challenge from Our Power and Road To Home at the Pond Fence, but despite an awkward stride in the final furlong, Havaila summoned a powerful finish 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: “Caoilin gave a fantastic ride, switching him off smoothly. She’s stepped up this year and truly deserves the credit.” He noted the horse’s resilience, saying, “He had a lot of ground to make up, but he travelled and only just got there. At least he won’t have to carry an extra ten pounds next time.” Moore expressed optimism for the future, hinting at a possible Grand National campaign while acknowledging the need to recover after today’s effort.
“He’s heading in the right direction, just coming into his own. Adding this win to his record is a huge boost, and we’re lucky to have him.” Overall, the Celebration Chase meeting delivered a mixture of triumph and tragedy, showcasing the unpredictable nature of National Hunt racing.
Edwardstone’s victory reminded fans that seasoned talent can still surprise, while the loss of Thistle Ask underscored the sport’s inherent risks. Meanwhile, Havaila’s Gold Cup success added a promising new chapter for a horse eyeing the ultimate test at Aintree.
The day’s narratives will be remembered by enthusiasts and participants alike as a poignant reminder of both the glory and the heartbreak that define horse racing.