Alan King’s seasoned campaigner Edwardstone delivered a remarkable performance in the bet365 Celebration Chase at Sandown, securing his fourth Grade One victory after a long and distinguished career. The win was especially poignant given the dramatic backdrop of the day: Dan Skelton celebrated his inaugural champion trainer title and broke the historic £5 million prize‑money ceiling, while tragedy struck when Thistle Ask, a standout of the season, suffered a fatal injury during the two‑mile contest. The race unfolded with a series of dramatic incidents. Stablemate Mirabad was unseated when jockey Tristan Durrell was forced to avoid Thistle Ask, who was later found to be seriously injured.
Meanwhile, Joseph O'Brien’s Solness was unable to find a rhythm on the day, leaving JPR One to lead for a spell. As the field turned into the final straight, JPR One was caught near the finish line, allowing the 11‑1 outsider Edwardstone, piloted by Tom Cannon, to surge forward. Cannon, who had previously guided the horse to a Tingle Creek victory at the same venue in December 2022, timed his move perfectly, and Edwardstone responded with a powerful finish up the hill.
After the race, King described the moment as "one of my most emotional wins, it was very special." He praised Edwardstone’s recent form, noting that a preparatory run at Plumpton had sharpened the horse to an unprecedented level of speed. "Tom asked if I wanted to rev him up at the start and I said there was no need – the work at Plumpton had done the job, and he’s a different horse now," King explained.
He added that a strategic positioning at the Pond Fence – a crucial obstacle on the course – would give them a strong chance, and the crowd’s enthusiastic reaction only heightened the significance of the triumph. "We’ve not had a Grade One for a while, so this feels like a huge boost. Even though we lost Jonbon today and faced the tragedy with Thistle Ask, the circumstances opened a window for us," he reflected, expressing both gratitude and humility.
King also hinted at the future, saying retirement was not on the agenda. "He’s tackled our home hill countless times and still attacks it with the same vigor each morning.
That’s why I want to keep going with him – he’ll tell me when he’s had enough," he said, underscoring the deep bond between trainer and horse. Tom Cannon echoed the sentiment, describing the race as a perfect execution of a familiar pattern he has observed over many rides at Sandown. "When we hit the Pond Fence, I gave him a squeeze and he responded beautifully.
The Plumpton run really set him up, and today we reaped the benefits," Cannon noted. He lauded Edwardstone’s consistency and character, calling him a "great servant" who had provided numerous memorable days.
"This could be the pinnacle of them all. The crowd’s roar was incredible, and to achieve it on the final day of the season makes it even more remarkable. Alan King deserves huge credit for keeping this horse in top condition," he added. The incident involving Thistle Ask prompted an official statement from Sandown: "Thistle Ask sustained an injury in the bet365 Celebration Chase.
He was examined by our specialist veterinary team, and for the sake of his welfare, the decision was made to humanely euthanise him. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his connections and everyone who cared for him daily." The statement highlighted the difficult but necessary decision made in the horse’s best interest. In other highlights from the meeting, Havaila continued his rapid ascent under the patient guidance of jockey Caoilin Quinn, capturing the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown. Although the overall field size and depth were lighter than in previous years, the seven‑year‑old, owned by Gary and Josh Moore, proved himself a genuine Grand National prospect.
Having previously won the Sussex National, Havaila carried a 10‑pound penalty but remained a strong 5‑1 contender throughout the race. He stayed on the inside of the Pond Fence, fending off challenges from Our Power and Road To Home, and despite an awkward stride at the final fence, he rallied to clinch victory 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 a superb ride and timed the switch perfectly. He’s stepped up this year and deserves the credit. I thought we’d have a lot of ground to make up, but he kept going and finished strongly. At least we won without the extra 10‑pound weight this time.
Let’s hope he’s fit for tomorrow’s run over the same ground and distance – we’ll see about the Grand National route later. This win adds a valuable line to his CV, and we’re fortunate to have such a horse." Overall, the Celebration Chase meeting was a blend of triumph and tragedy, showcasing the highs and lows that define National Hunt racing. Edwardstone’s victory demonstrated the enduring quality of a well‑trained, experienced horse, while the loss of Thistle Ask reminded the sport of its inherent risks.
Meanwhile, Havaila’s Gold Cup success added a promising contender to the upcoming Grand National conversation, ensuring that the excitement will continue into the next season.