Alan King’s seasoned veteran, Edwardstone, added a fourth Grade One victory to his extensive 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 ceiling, while tragedy struck when Skelton’s standout Thistle Ask suffered a fatal injury during the two‑mile contest. The race unfolded dramatically. Mirabad’s jockey Tristan Durrell was forced to pull his mount away to avoid Thistle Ask, and Joseph O'Brien’s Solness failed to find a rhythm on the day, leaving JPR One to lead early.
As the field turned into the final straight, JPR One was pressed hard, allowing the 11‑1 outsider Edwardstone, piloted by Tom Cannon, to make a decisive move up the hill. The horse surged forward, echoing the form that had carried him to the Tingle Creek win in December 2022. After the finish, King described the victory as "one of the most emotional wins" of his career. He praised Edwardstone’s recent prep at Plumpton, noting that the horse had never been quicker.
"Tom asked if we should rev him up at the start and I said there’s no need – the work at Plumpton did the job. He’s a different horse now," King explained. He added that a few lengths behind at the Pond Fence would have given them a "hell of a chance" and praised the crowd’s enthusiasm, calling Edwardstone a "special horse" and emphasizing that moments like this are why they stay in the sport despite the inevitable down days.
King also reflected on the broader context of the meeting. With Jonbon absent and the sorrowful loss of Thistle Ask, opportunities opened for Edwardstone. He dismissed retirement talks, insisting the horse still loves tackling the home hill every morning and that he will decide when the time comes to step away. Tom Cannon echoed the sentiment, saying the race unfolded exactly as he had anticipated from countless trips around the course.
"We hit the Pond Fence, I gave him a squeeze and he finished nicely. Plumpton really set him up, and today we reaped the benefit," Cannon said. He lauded Edwardstone’s consistency, describing the horse as a "servant" who has provided many great days and suggesting this win could be the pinnacle of their partnership.
Cannon also highlighted the significance of clinching the race on the final day of the season, crediting King for his skillful preparation. 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 it was concluded that humane euthanasia was the most compassionate option for his welfare.
Our heartfelt condolences go to his caretakers and all his connections." The meeting also featured a standout performance from Havaila, who continued his rapid ascent under the patient guidance of jockey Caoilin Quinn. The seven‑year‑old, owned by Gary and Josh Moore, captured the bet365 Gold Cup, confirming his status as a genuine Grand National prospect. Despite carrying ten pounds more than his previous outing, Havaila, sent off at 5‑1, stayed prominent throughout the race. He faced a brief challenge at the Pond Fence from Our Power and Road To Home, but after a slightly awkward stride at the final, he rallied powerfully to edge out Our Power by a short head, with Road To Home a neck behind in third place.
Gary Moore praised both horse and rider: "Caoilin gave him a fantastic ride and switched him off smoothly. He’s stepped up this year and deserves the credit. I thought he’d have a lot of ground to make up, but he delivered.
He’s travelled a long way and, at least this time, he won’t be carrying an extra ten pounds. Let’s hope he’s fit tomorrow for the longer distance on that ground." Moore hinted at a possible Grand National campaign for Havaila, noting that the Gold Cup victory adds a valuable credential to the horse’s record. He expressed optimism about the horse’s future, saying, "He’s heading in the right direction and just beginning to find his best self.
It’s wonderful to have this win on his CV, and we feel very fortunate to have such a talent." Overall, the Celebration Chase meeting delivered a mix of triumph, sorrow, and promising signs for the future. Edwardstone’s victory demonstrated that experience and careful preparation can still overcome youthful rivals, while the loss of Thistle Ask reminded everyone of the sport’s inherent risks.
Meanwhile, Havaila’s Gold Cup success offered a glimpse of the next generation of stayers ready to take on the biggest challenges in National Hunt racing.