Alan King’s seasoned campaigner Edwardstone captured the fourth Grade One victory of his extensive career in the bet365 Celebration Chase at Sandown, delivering a performance that seemed to turn back the clock. The day was also historic for Dan Skelton, who secured his inaugural champion trainer title and became the first trainer to break the £5 million prize‑money threshold. Tragically, his standout runner Thistle Ask, who had dazzled all season, suffered a fatal injury during the two‑mile contest. The incident unfolded when Thistle Ask’s stablemate Mirabad, ridden by Tristan Durrell, was forced to swerve to avoid the fallen horse.
With Joseph O'Brien’s Solness struggling on an unsuitable surface, JPR One seized the lead. He held on tightly to the finish line, yet Edwardstone, sent off at 11‑1, and his jockey Tom Cannon, managed to stay on the inside and surged up the final hill – the same track where Edwardstone had clinched the Tingle Creek in December 2022.
King reflected on the win, describing it as "one of my most emotional victories, truly special." He praised the recent Plumpton run, noting that the horse had never been faster. "Tom asked if I wanted to rev him up at the start; I said no – Plumpton had done the job and he’s a different horse now," King explained. He added that a modest gap at the Pond Fence would give them a "hell of a chance" and that the atmosphere, with the crowd’s roar, made the day unforgettable.
"This is why we do it – after the down days, moments like this rank with the best. We hadn’t won a Grade One in a while, so it feels great. Perhaps his top‑level days were behind him, but with Jonbon absent and the tragedy earlier, the race opened up for us," he said, also expressing sympathy for Thistle Ask’s connections. King dismissed retirement talk, insisting Edwardstone still loves the hill that surrounds his home.
"He’s tackled it thousands of times and still attacks it each morning. That’s why I want to keep going with him – he’ll tell me when he’s had enough," the trainer concluded. The story was amplified by Sky Sports Racing’s call to stay updated on racing news, interviews, and features via mobile. It marked the second occasion this season that Edwardstone appeared to reverse the effects of age, with his loyal rider pondering whether this might be the pinnacle of their joint achievements.
Cannon echoed the sentiment, noting the race unfolded exactly as they had rehearsed. "The race fell into place perfectly.
I’ve ridden him here countless times; the pattern is always similar. At the Pond Fence I gave him a squeeze and he finished nicely. Plumpton really prepared him, and we saw the benefit today," he said. Cannon praised Edwardstone’s consistency, calling him "a true servant" who has gifted him many great days, perhaps the best yet.
He highlighted the enthusiastic crowd response and the significance of winning on the season’s final day, adding that Alan King deserved substantial credit for the effort. A statement from Sandown regarding Thistle Ask confirmed the horse sustained an injury during the Celebration Chase. The venue’s specialist veterinary team assessed the situation and, prioritising welfare, decided euthanasia was the humane option.
The statement expressed heartfelt condolences to the horse’s caretakers and connections. In another highlight of the meeting, Havaila continued his rapid ascent under a patient ride from Caoilin Quinn, securing the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown. Despite a field that was smaller and perhaps less deep 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 10‑pound penalty but remained a 5‑1 favourite, staying in front for much of the race. Approaching the final stretch, Havaila appeared to be challenged at the Pond Fence by Our Power and Road To Home.
Nevertheless, even after an awkward stride at the last, he rallied powerfully, edging out Our Power by a short head, with Road To Home a neck behind in third place. Gary Moore praised Caoilin Quinn’s ride, saying, "Fair play to Caoilin – he gave a great ride and got him switched off well. He’s stepped up this year and deserves the credit." Moore noted the horse had to make up significant ground but managed to finish strongly. He expressed optimism about the horse’s future, hoping Havaila would be fit for the next day’s long‑distance test and perhaps eyeing the Grand National route in the future.
"He’s on the right track, just coming into his own. Adding this win to his CV is fantastic, and we’re lucky to have him," Moore added. Overall, the Sandown meeting delivered a mix of triumph, tragedy, and emerging talent, underscoring the unpredictable drama that defines National Hunt racing.