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 win was especially poignant on a day that also saw Dan Skelton clinch his first Champion Trainer title and become the first trainer to break through the £5 million prize‑money barrier. Tragically, Skelton’s own star, Thistle Ask, suffered a fatal injury during the two‑mile contest, casting a somber shadow over the festivities. The race unfolded with a series of dramatic twists.
Stablemate Mirabad, ridden by Tristan Durrell, was forced to pull up after an attempt to avoid the collapsing Thistle Ask. Meanwhile, Joseph O’Brien’s Solness never found a rhythm on the day, leaving JPR One to lead for a spell.
As the field approached the final stretch, JPR One was caught tight on the turn, opening a window for the 11‑to‑1 outsider Edwardstone, guided by Tom Cannon, to surge forward. Cannon kept the horse steady up the steep climb that had previously seen Edwardstone capture the Tingle Creek in December 2022, and the pair crossed the line first.
King was visibly moved after the victory. “This is one of the most emotional wins of my career,” he said. “Edwardstone has been in superb form. A run at Plumpton sharpened him, and he’s never been quicker.
When Tom asked if we should rev him up at the start, I told him there was no need – Plumpton had already done the job and he’s a different horse now.” He continued, “I told Tom that if we were a couple of lengths behind at the Pond Fence we’d have a real chance. The atmosphere was electric, the crowd fantastic, and walking back with Edwardstone felt like a celebration of everything we love about racing.
He’s a special horse and moments like this remind us why we do this, even on the tough days.” King also reflected on the broader context of the win. “We haven’t secured a Grade One in a while, so this is huge for us. Perhaps his top‑level days were behind him, but with Jonbon out and the tragedy earlier, the race opened up for us.
We’re not talking retirement now; I might even finish before him. He still attacks the hill at home every morning, and that fire is why I want to keep him racing as long as he’s willing.” Tom Cannon echoed the sentiment, noting how familiar the course had become. “The race unfolded exactly as I expected. I’ve ridden Edwardstone here countless times and the pattern is always similar.
When we hit the Pond Fence I gave him a squeeze, and he responded beautifully. The work we did at Plumpton really paid off today.” He added, “He’s been a servant for me, giving me many great days, and this could be the best of them all.
The crowd gave him a wonderful cheer, and to win on the final day of the season is a remarkable achievement. Alan King deserves massive credit for keeping this horse in such fine condition.” The incident involving Thistle Ask prompted an official statement from Sandown Racecourse: “Thistle Ask sustained an injury during the bet365 Celebration Chase.
He was examined on‑course by our specialist veterinary team, and it was determined that humane euthanasia was the most compassionate option for his welfare. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his connections and everyone who cared for him daily.” While the Celebration Chase dominated headlines, the card also featured a thrilling performance from Havaila, who continued his rapid ascent under the patient ride of Caoilin Quinn to win the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown. Although the overall quality and quantity of the field were lower than in previous years, the seven‑year‑old trained by Gary and Josh Moore proved he belongs among the sport’s elite. Having previously won the Sussex National, Havaila carried a ten‑pound penalty but still entered the race as a 5‑1 joint‑favorite.
Throughout the Gold Cup, Havaila stayed close to the leaders, with Our Power and Road To Home challenging at the Pond Fence. Despite a slightly awkward stride at the final turn, Havaila rallied powerfully to edge out Our Power by a short head, with Road To Home a neck behind in third. Gary Moore praised both horse and jockey after the race: “Caoilin gave a fantastic ride and switched him off smoothly.
He’s stepped up this year and deserves the credit. I thought we’d have a lot of ground to make up, but he travelled well and finished strongly. He won’t be carrying the extra ten pounds next time, which is a relief.
Let’s hope he’s fit for tomorrow’s run on the same ground and distance.” Moore hinted at future ambitions, noting, “We might look at the Grand National route after this, but for now we’ll enjoy today’s success and plan for next season in the autumn. Havaila is heading in the right direction, and this victory adds a valuable entry to his record. We’re incredibly fortunate to have such a horse.” Overall, the day at Sandown was a mixture of triumph and tragedy, showcasing the unpredictable nature of National Hunt racing.
Edwardstone’s victory demonstrated that experience and careful preparation can still overcome younger rivals, while the loss of Thistle Ask reminded everyone of the sport’s inherent risks. Meanwhile, the emergence of Havaila as a genuine Grand National prospect added excitement for the upcoming season, promising more compelling stories for racing fans worldwide.