Alan King’s seasoned campaigner Edwardstone secured a fourth Grade One victory of his extensive career by winning the bet365 Celebration Chase at Sandown, delivering a performance that seemed to turn back the clock for the veteran gelding. The day was notable for several milestones: Dan Skelton celebrated his inaugural champion‑trainer title and broke the £5 million prize‑money barrier for the first time, while tragedy struck when Thistle Ask, a standout of the season, suffered a fatal injury during the two‑mile contest. The incident unfolded when Thistle Ask’s stablemate Mirabad, ridden by Tristan Durrell, was forced to pull up after an evasive maneuver, and Joseph O’Brien’s Solness struggled on a day that didn’t suit him. This left JPR One in the lead for a spell, but the race tightened dramatically as the finish approached.
Edwardstone, sent off at 11‑1, was guided by Tom Cannon into a strong, sustained drive up the final hill— the same ascent where he claimed the Tingle Creek in December 2022. Cannon’s timing allowed Edwardstone to surge past the leaders and claim a hard‑won victory.
King reflected on the win with palpable emotion: “It’s one of the most emotional victories of my career; it felt incredibly special. The horse has been in superb form, and the work at Plumpton sharpened him like never before. When Tom asked whether to rev him up at the start, I told him there was no need—Plumpton had already done the job, and he’s a different animal now.” He continued, “I told Tom that if we were only a couple of lengths off at the Pond Fence, we’d have a massive chance.
The atmosphere was electric, the crowd fantastic, and Edwardstone proved he’s still a special horse.” King added that the win reminded him why he stays in the sport despite the inevitable down days: “This is why we do it. We haven’t had a Grade One win for a while, so this means a lot. Perhaps his best Grade One days were behind him, but with Jonbon out and the tragedy earlier, the race opened up for us.” He also hinted at the future, noting that retirement isn’t on the agenda yet: “We’re not talking about retirement today; I might finish before him. He’s tackled our home hill thousands of times and still attacks it each morning.
That’s why I want to keep going with him—he’ll tell me when it’s time.” Tom Cannon echoed the sentiment, praising the horse’s consistency and the preparation that paid dividends: “The race unfolded exactly as we expected. I’ve ridden him here many times; the pattern is familiar. When we hit the Pond Fence, I gave him a squeeze and he responded beautifully.
The work at Plumpton really set him up, and today we saw the benefit.” He lauded Edwardstone’s temperament: “He’s been a great servant, giving me many memorable days. This could be the pinnacle of them all. The crowd gave him a huge cheer, and to win on the final day of the season is a remarkable achievement.
Alan King deserves massive credit for keeping him in top condition.” The day also featured a somber note regarding Thistle Ask. Sandown’s official statement read: “Thistle Ask sustained an injury in the bet365 Celebration Chase. He was examined on‑course by Sandown’s 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 caretakers and all connections.” The loss was felt deeply across the racing community, underscoring the inherent risks of the sport. In other Sandown action, Havaila continued his rapid ascent under a patient ride from Caoilin Quinn, capturing the bet365 Gold Cup.
Though the field was smaller than in previous years, the seven‑year‑old trained by Gary and Josh Moore proved his mettle, emerging as a genuine Grand National prospect. After a victorious run in the Sussex National, Havaila carried a 10‑pound penalty but remained a 5‑to‑1 favourite, staying prominent throughout the race.
Approaching the final fence, Havaila appeared to lose a stride, yet he 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 rider: “Caoilin gave a fantastic ride, switching him off well. He’s stepped up this year and deserves the credit. The horse had a lot to do, a lot of ground to make up, but he managed it.
He’s travelled a lot and only just got there, but at least he won’t be carrying an extra 10 lb next time. Let’s hope he’s sound tomorrow after that effort.” Moore hinted at future plans, noting the Grand National as a potential target, but emphasized the need to regroup after the season’s end.
Overall, the Celebration Chase highlighted the dual nature of horse racing—triumph and tragedy side by side. Edwardstone’s victory demonstrated that experience and careful preparation can still overcome younger rivals, while the loss of Thistle Ask reminded everyone of the fragility of these athletes.
The day’s narratives—Dan Skelton’s historic trainer title, Edwardstone’s emotional win, Havaila’s rising star, and the heartfelt tribute to Thistle Ask—combined to create a memorable chapter in the sport’s ongoing story. Fans can stay updated with the latest racing news, interviews, and features through Sky Sports Racing’s platforms, ensuring they never miss a moment of the sport’s excitement and drama.