Alan King’s seasoned horse Edwardstone captured the fourth Grade One title of his extensive career by winning the bet365 Celebration Chase at Sandown. The triumph came on a day that also saw Dan Skelton clinch his first champion‑trainer crown and break the £5 million prize‑money barrier for the first time.

Unfortunately, the festivities were marred by a tragic incident involving Skelton’s star performer, Thistle Ask, who suffered a fatal injury during the two‑mile contest. Thistle Ask’s stablemate Mirabad was forced to pull up after jockey Tristan Durrell tried to avoid the fallen rival. Meanwhile, Joseph O'Brien’s Solness was not at his best on the day, leaving JPR One to take an early lead. The front‑running horse was pressured in the final stages, giving Edwardstone, a 11‑to‑1 outsider, and his rider Tom Cannon the opportunity to surge up the hill.

Edwardstone, who had previously claimed the Tingle Creek in December 2022, stayed on strongly and crossed the line ahead of the field. After the race, King described the win as “one of the most emotional moments of my life.” He praised the preparation at Plumpton, noting that the horse had never been quicker.

"Tom asked if I wanted to rev him up at the start, but I said there was no need – Plumpton had already done the job and he’s a different animal now," King explained. He added that a few lengths off at the Pond Fence would have given them a “hell of a chance,” and he was thrilled by the crowd’s reaction. "This is why we do it.

There are many down days, but today ranks with the very best. We haven’t had a Grade One for a while, so this is huge.

Perhaps his Grade One days were behind him, but with Jonbon absent and the tragedy behind us – my condolences to their team – the race opened up for us," he said. King also hinted at the future, saying retirement is not on the agenda yet. "He’s tackled that hill at home thousands of times and still attacks it every morning.

That’s why I want to keep going with him; he’ll tell me when he’s had enough," he added. Tom Cannon echoed the sentiment, noting that the race unfolded exactly as they had anticipated. "I’ve ridden him here so many times; the pattern is always similar. At the Pond Fence I gave him a squeeze and he finished nicely.

Plumpton really stood him up, and we reaped the benefits today," Cannon said. He praised Edwardstone’s consistency and the support from the crowd, calling the performance a “proper story” and a fitting climax to the season.

"Alan King deserves a lot of credit for keeping this horse in such good shape," Cannon concluded. The incident with Thistle Ask prompted a statement from Sandown: "Thistle Ask sustained an injury in the bet365 Celebration Chase. He was examined by the track’s specialist veterinary team, and it was decided that humane euthanasia was the most compassionate option for his welfare.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to his caretakers and all connections." In other news from Sandown, Havaila continued his rapid rise under the patient guidance of jockey Caoilin Quinn, winning the bet365 Gold Cup. Although the overall quality and size of the field were below historic standards, the seven‑year‑old trained by Gary and Josh Moore proved to be a genuine Grand National prospect. After winning the Sussex National in his previous outing, Havaila carried a 10‑pound penalty but remained a 5‑to‑1 favorite, staying in front for much of the race.

Approaching the final fence, Havaila appeared to lose a little momentum as Our Power and Road To Home challenged. Nevertheless, he found a second wind and, despite an awkward stride at the last, powered through to beat 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: "Caoilin gave him a fantastic ride and timed the switch‑off perfectly. She’s stepped up this year and deserves the credit. I thought he had a lot of ground to make up, but he did it.

He’s travelled a great distance and finally got there, and at least he won’t have to carry an extra 10 lb next time. Let’s hope he’s fit tomorrow morning for the longer distance on that ground." Moore also hinted at future plans, suggesting a possible Grand National campaign after this win, while emphasizing the need to recover from the current race before looking ahead.

"He’s moving in the right direction and is just coming into his own. Adding this victory to his record is fantastic, and we’re lucky to have such a horse," Moore added. Both victories – Edwardstone’s Grade One success and Havaila’s Gold Cup win – underscore the resilience and talent present in the Sandown stable, even as the racing community mourns the loss of Thistle Ask.

The events of the day highlighted the highs and lows of the sport, reminding fans of the dedication required to compete at the highest level.