Alan King’s seasoned veteran Edwardstone added a fourth Grade One victory to his impressive résumé by winning the bet365 Celebration Chase at Sandown. The triumph was especially poignant on a day that saw Dan Skelton become champion trainer for the first time and break the £5 million prize‑money barrier, while tragedy struck when Skelton’s own Thistle Ask, a standout performer all season, suffered a fatal injury in the two‑mile contest.
The race unfolded dramatically. Thistle Ask’s stablemate Mirabad was forced to pull up after jockey Tristan Durrell tried to avoid the fallen star, and Joseph O’Brien’s Solness never found a rhythm on the day’s going. This left JPR One in a commanding position early on, but the horse was soon pressured by a late surge from Edwardstone, who entered the finish at odds of 11‑1.
Tom Cannon, the rider, managed to keep the horse on a strong, steady line up the hill that had seen Edwardstone claim the Tingle Creek in December 2022. After the race, King described the win as “one of my most emotional victories, it was very 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 to rev him up at the start and I said there’s no need – Plumpton did the job and he’s a different horse now,” King recalled.
He added that a strategic move at the Pond Fence – “if you’re a couple of lengths off him there, we’ll have a hell of a chance” – proved decisive. King praised the crowd’s enthusiasm and called Edwardstone “a special horse,” noting that moments like this are why owners endure the inevitable down days of the sport.
King also reflected on the broader context of the day. “We haven’t had a Grade One for a while, so this is good.
Perhaps his Grade One days were behind him, but with no Jonbon today and the tragedy earlier – and I’m sorry for their team – things opened up for us.” He made it clear that retirement was not on the agenda: “We’re not discussing retirement today and I might finish before him. He’s tackled our home hill thousands of times and still attacks it every morning. That’s why I want to keep going with him and he’ll tell me when he’s had enough.” Cannon echoed the sentiment, saying the race “worked out perfectly” and that his familiarity with the course gave him confidence.
“We got to the Pond Fence, I gave him a squeeze and he finished up nicely. The Plumpton run really stood him in good stead and we saw the benefit today.” He praised Edwardstone’s consistency and the affection the public has for the horse: “What a servant he’s been, giving me great days – this could top them all. It’s a proper story, lots of people follow him and he got a great cheer coming in.
To do it on the last day of the season is remarkable, and Alan King deserves a lot of credit.” The incident involving Thistle Ask prompted a statement from Sandown: “Thistle Ask sustained an injury in the bet365 Celebration Chase. He was assessed on‑course by Sandown’s specialist veterinary team and it was decided that the best course of action for the horse’s welfare was humane euthanasia.
Our heartfelt condolences are with those who looked after him at home every day and all of his connections.” The meeting also featured a notable performance from Havaila, who continued his rapid rise under the patient riding of Caoilin Quinn to claim the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown. Although the overall field was smaller than in previous years, Gary and Josh Moore’s seven‑year‑old emerged as a genuine Grand National prospect. After winning the Sussex National in his previous outing, Havaila carried a 10‑pound penalty but still entered the race as a 5‑1 favourite.
Throughout the contest, Quinn kept the horse well‑placed, and despite a momentary stumble at the Pond Fence, Havaila rallied 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: “Fair play to Caoilin, he gave him a great ride and got him switched off well enough. Caoilin has really stepped up this year and is a good lad who deserves it. I thought he had enough to do and a lot of ground to make up but he did it.
He’s travelled and travelled and only just got there, but at least he won’t go up 10 lb this time. Let’s hope he’s all right tomorrow morning, running on that ground over that distance, let’s hope he’s OK.” He hinted at future plans, suggesting a possible Grand National campaign: “I suppose we might have to go down the Grand National route after that, but let’s get today over with and worry about next season in the autumn. He’s going in the right direction and he’s just started coming to himself. It’s great to get this race on the CV and we’re really lucky to have this horse.” Overall, the Celebration Chase delivered a blend of triumph, sorrow, and promising futures, underscoring the unpredictable drama that makes National Hunt racing so compelling.