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 given the dramatic backdrop of the meeting: Dan Skelton secured his first Champion Trainer title and broke the £5 million prize‑money barrier, while his star runner, Thistle Ask, suffered a fatal injury in the two‑mile feature. Edwardstone’s win, however, provided a bright spot in an otherwise somber day.
The race unfolded with a series of misfortunes that reshaped the finishing order. Stablemate Mirabad was forced to pull up after jockey Tristan Durrell was unseated while trying to avoid the collapsing Thistle Ask. Meanwhile, Joseph O’Brien’s Solness struggled on an unfavourable going, allowing JPR One to take an early lead.
As the field turned into the final stretch, JPR One was caught tight on the last fence, opening a crucial gap for the 11‑to‑1 outsider Edwardstone, ridden by Tom Cannon. The pair surged up the hill that had previously witnessed Edwardstone’s Tingle Creek win in December 2022, and they held on to claim a hard‑won victory. After the race, King described the win as “one of the most emotional” of his career.
He explained that a recent run at Plumpton had sharpened Edwardstone, giving the horse a new burst of speed that he had never displayed before. "Tom asked if I wanted to rev him up at the start, but I told him there was no need – Plumpton had already done the job," King said. He added that a strategic move at the Pond Fence – staying a few lengths behind – gave them a decisive advantage.
"It was a wonderful day, the crowd was fantastic, and walking back with him was tremendous. He’s a special horse," King continued, emphasizing that moments like these are why he stays in the sport despite the inevitable down days. King also reflected on the broader context of the meeting. With Jonbon absent and the tragic loss of Thistle Ask casting a shadow, opportunities opened up for other contenders.
"We’re not talking about retirement today; I might even 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 – he’ll tell me when he’s had enough," King concluded. Tom Cannon echoed the sentiment, noting how familiar the race pattern was to him.
"The race unfolded perfectly. I’ve ridden him here so many times that the rhythm is almost second nature. The work at Plumpton really set him up, and you could see the benefit today," he said. Cannon praised Edwardstone’s consistency and the support of his connections, calling the victory a possible career highlight.
"It’s a proper story – lots of people follow him, and the cheer he received was amazing. To do it on the final day of the season is remarkable, and Alan King deserves a lot of credit," Cannon added.
The incident involving Thistle Ask prompted an official statement from Sandown Racecourse: "Thistle Ask sustained an injury in the bet365 Celebration Chase. He was assessed on‑course by our specialist veterinary team, and it was decided that humane euthanasia was the most appropriate action for his welfare. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his caretakers and all his connections." The statement underscored the harsh realities of National Hunt racing and the importance of swift veterinary intervention.
The meeting also featured a notable performance from Havaila, who continued his rapid progression under a patient ride from Caoilin Quinn to win the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown. Despite a field that was smaller and perhaps less deep than in previous years, the seven‑year‑old trained by Gary and Josh Moore proved he could compete at the highest level. Having previously won the Sussex National, Havaila carried a 10‑pound penalty but still entered the race as a 5‑to‑1 contender.
Throughout the Gold Cup, Havaila stayed in contention, battling with Our Power and Road To Home at the pivotal Pond Fence. Although he hit an awkward stride on the final fence, Quinn kept him on a powerful gallop, allowing Havaila to edge out Our Power by a short head, with Road To Home a neck behind in third. Gary Moore praised both the horse and the jockey: "Caoilin gave him a great ride and got him switched off well enough. He’s stepped up this year and deserves the credit.
I thought he’d have a lot of ground to make up, but he did it. He’s travelled a long way and finally arrived, and at least he won’t have to carry that extra 10 lb next time." Moore also hinted at future ambitions, suggesting that Havaila could be aimed at the Grand National after a brief rest: "We might have to go down the Grand National route, but let’s get today over with and worry about next season in the autumn. He’s heading in the right direction and just starting to come into his own. It’s great to add this race to his CV, and we’re really lucky to have this horse." Overall, the Sandown meeting delivered a mixture of triumph and tragedy, showcasing the unpredictable nature of jump racing.
Edwardstone’s victory served as a reminder that seasoned campaigners can still produce spectacular performances, while the loss of Thistle Ask highlighted the sport’s inherent risks. Meanwhile, emerging talents like Havaila offered a glimpse of the next generation of stars poised to challenge the sport’s biggest prizes in the seasons to come.