Alan King’s seasoned campaigner Edwardstone captured his fourth Grade One triumph in the bet365 Celebration Chase at Sandown, a win that felt like a step back in time for the veteran horse. The race unfolded on a day that also saw Dan Skelton become champion trainer for the first time and break the £5 million prize‑money barrier, a historic milestone for his stable.
Tragically, Skelton’s own star, Thistle Ask, suffered a fatal injury during the two‑mile contest, casting a somber shadow over an otherwise celebratory afternoon. The early stages were chaotic.
Thistle Ask, who had been the season’s breakout performer, clipped the heels of his stablemate Mirabad, causing jockey Tristan Durrell to be unseated as he tried to avoid the fallen horse. Meanwhile, Joseph O'Brien’s Solness was unable to find a rhythm on the soft going, allowing JPR One to take the lead. As the field turned into the final straight, JPR One held a narrow advantage, but Edwardstone, starting at 11‑1, was positioned just behind, ready to pounce.
Tom Cannon, who had partnered Edwardstone for many of his previous outings, urged the horse forward as they approached the steep incline of the Pond Fence. Edwardstone responded with a powerful surge, pulling level with JPR One and then pulling ahead to claim a decisive victory. The win marked King’s first Grade One success in some time, a moment he described as "one of my most emotional wins, it was very special." He praised the preparation at Plumpton, noting that the horse had never been faster and that the recent work had transformed him into a different animal. "Tom asked if I should rev him up at the start, and I said there was no need – the job was done at Plumpton," King recalled.
"I told Tom that if he was a couple of lengths off at the Pond Fence, we’d have a real chance. The crowd was fantastic, and walking back with Edwardstone was a thrill. He’s a special horse, and this is why we keep going despite the down days." King also reflected on the broader context of the race, acknowledging the tragedy of Thistle Ask’s loss and the absence of Jonbon, another top contender. "Perhaps his Grade One days were behind him, but with no Jonbon today and the tragedy down the back – I’m sorry for their team – things opened up for us," he said.
He dismissed any talk of retirement, insisting that Edwardstone still loves the hill at home and attacks it with the same vigor each morning. "That’s why I want to keep going with him, and he’ll tell me when he’s had enough," King added. Tom Cannon echoed the sentiment, describing the race as a perfect execution of a familiar pattern. "We got to the Pond Fence, I gave him a squeeze and he finished up nicely.
The work at Plumpton really stood him in good stead today," he explained. Cannon lauded Edwardstone’s consistency and the affection the public has for him, noting the huge cheer the horse received on the final bend. "To do it on the last day of the season is remarkable, and Alan King deserves a lot of credit for keeping this horse at the top level," Cannon concluded. The incident involving Thistle Ask prompted an official statement from Sandown Racecourse.
The horse was examined by the track’s specialist veterinary team after sustaining an injury during the Celebration Chase. The vets determined that humane euthanasia was the most compassionate option for his welfare. The statement expressed heartfelt condolences to the horse’s caretakers and connections, acknowledging the deep bond they shared.
In another highlight of the meeting, Havaila continued his rapid ascent under the patient guidance of jockey Caoilin Quinn, winning the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown. Although the overall quality and quantity of runners were lower than in previous years, the seven‑year‑old owned by Gary and Josh Moore proved he could compete at the highest level. Having previously won the Sussex National, Havaila carried a ten‑pound penalty but still entered the race as a 5‑1 contender and stayed prominent throughout.
Approaching the final fence, Havaila appeared to be losing momentum as Our Power and Road To Home challenged. Nevertheless, the horse found a second wind, powering through on a slightly awkward stride to edge out Our Power by a short head, with Road To Home a neck behind in third place. Gary Moore praised both the horse and his rider, saying, "Caoilin gave him a great ride and got him switched off well enough.
He’s stepped up this year and deserves the credit." Moore also discussed the horse’s future, hinting at a possible Grand National campaign but emphasizing the need to recover after the demanding race. "He’s travelled a lot and only just got there, but at least he won’t go up ten pounds this time. Let’s hope he’s all right tomorrow morning on that ground over that distance," Moore said.
He expressed optimism about the horse’s development, noting that the Gold Cup win adds a valuable entry to Havaila’s racing résumé. Overall, the Sandown meeting delivered a mixture of triumph and tragedy, showcasing the unpredictable nature of National Hunt racing. Edwardstone’s victory reminded fans that experience and careful preparation can still produce stunning performances, while the loss of Thistle Ask underscored the ever‑present risks inherent in the sport.
The day concluded with a reminder to stay connected for the latest racing news, interviews, and features, ensuring that enthusiasts never miss a story from the world of horse racing.