Alan King’s seasoned veteran Edwardstone added another Grade One victory to his extensive résumé by winning the bet365 Celebration Chase at Sandown, a race that marked the fourth top‑level triumph of his long and distinguished career. The win was especially poignant for King, who described it as one of the most emotional moments of his life, a reminder of why he remains devoted to training and racing despite the inevitable ups and downs of the sport. The day was also historic for Dan Skelton, who celebrated his first champion trainer title and became the first trainer to break through the £5 million prize‑money barrier in a single season.
Unfortunately, the celebrations were tempered by tragedy when Skelton’s star performer, Thistle Ask, suffered a fatal injury during the two‑mile feature. The horse’s stablemate, Mirabad, was forced to pull up after jockey Tristan Durrell attempted to avoid the fallen Thistle Ask, and the incident cast a somber shadow over an otherwise jubilant meeting. With Joseph O'Brien’s Solness unable to make an impact on the day, JPR One briefly held the lead before being overtaken in the final stages.
Edwardstone, sent off at 11‑1, stayed on strongly up the hill, a section of the course where he had previously claimed the Tingle Creek in December 2022. Tom Cannon, who rode the horse, kept him in a good position and allowed him to unleash his finishing speed when it mattered most. After the race, King spoke candidly about the significance of the victory. He said, “That has to be one of my most emotional wins, it was very special.
He’s been in great form, Plumpton sharpened him up last time and he had never been so quick in his life. Tom asked if I wanted to rev him up at the start and I said there was no need – the work at Plumpton had already transformed him.” King added that the horse’s performance at the Pond Fence, a notorious obstacle, gave them a decisive advantage, and he praised the enthusiastic crowd for their support. King also reflected on the broader context of the win.
“We haven’t had a Grade One for a while, so this is a huge boost. Perhaps his Grade One days were behind him, but with Jonbon out and the tragedy earlier, the race opened up for us. We’re not talking about retirement today – I might finish before him.
He still attacks the hill every morning, and that’s why I want to keep going with him. He’ll tell me when he’s had enough.” Cannon echoed King’s sentiments, noting how familiar the race pattern felt. “The race worked out perfectly.
I’ve ridden him around here so many times; it’s always a similar pattern. We got to the Pond Fence, I gave him a squeeze and he finished nicely. The prep at Plumpton really stood him in good stead today.” He praised Edwardstone’s consistency and character, calling the horse a “great servant” who had given him many memorable days, and he suggested this victory could be the pinnacle of their partnership. The incident involving Thistle Ask prompted an official statement from Sandown Racecourse.
The statement confirmed that the horse sustained a severe injury, was examined by the track’s specialist veterinary team, and was humanely euthanised for welfare reasons. Sandown expressed heartfelt condolences to the horse’s connections and caretakers.
The meeting also featured a remarkable performance from Havaila, a seven‑year‑old trained by Gary and Josh Moore. Under a patient ride from Caoilin Quinn, Havaila won the bet365 Gold Cup, demonstrating rapid progression and resilience. Although the field was not as deep as in previous years, Havaila’s victory marked him as a genuine contender for next year’s Grand National.
After winning the Sussex National in his previous outing, he carried a 10‑pound penalty but still managed to stay in contention throughout the race. In the closing stages, Havaila was challenged by Our Power and Road To Home at the Pond Fence. Despite an awkward stride into the final furlong, Havaila summoned a powerful finish 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 his jockey, saying, “Caoilin gave him a great ride and switched him off well. He’s stepped up this year and deserves the credit.” Moore noted the horse’s stamina and hinted at a possible Grand National campaign, while also expressing hope for Havaila’s health after the demanding effort.
Overall, the Celebration Chase meeting at Sandown offered a blend of triumph, sorrow, and promise. Edwardstone’s victory highlighted the enduring quality of a seasoned campaigner capable of defying age, while the loss of Thistle Ask reminded everyone of the sport’s inherent risks. Meanwhile, emerging talents like Havaila provided a glimpse of future excitement, suggesting that the next season will bring new storylines and ambitions for trainers, jockeys, and racing fans alike.