Alan King’s seasoned campaigner Edwardstone captured the fourth Grade One victory of his extensive career in the bet365 Celebration Chase at Sandown, delivering a performance that seemed to turn back the clock for the veteran thoroughbred. The race was set against a backdrop of significant achievements and tragic events. Dan Skelton, for the first time, was crowned champion trainer, breaking the £5 million prize‑money barrier—a historic milestone for any trainer.
However, the day was also marred by the loss of a promising star, Thistle Ask, who suffered a fatal injury during the two‑mile contest, casting a somber shadow over the festivities. The tragedy unfolded when Thistle Ask’s stablemate Mirabad, ridden by Tristan Durrell, was forced to pull up after an attempt to avoid the fallen horse. Meanwhile, Joseph O'Brien’s Solness was unable to find a rhythm on the day, leaving JPR One to take an early lead.
As the race progressed, JPR One held a narrow advantage heading into the final straight, but Edwardstone, starting at 11‑1, began to make a decisive move. Tom Cannon, the jockey, urged the horse forward, and the pair surged up the hill that had previously witnessed Edwardstone’s Tingle Creek win in December 2022.
The final furlongs saw Edwardstone close the gap, and Cannon’s timing allowed the horse to finish strongly, securing a memorable victory. After the race, King described the win as "one of my most emotional" moments, emphasizing how special it felt. He explained that a recent run at Plumpton had sharpened Edwardstone, noting that the horse had never been as quick as he was that day.
King recalled a conversation with Cannon before the start, where he told the jockey there was no need to over‑rev the horse because Plumpton had already done the heavy lifting. He added that if Cannon could stay a few lengths behind at the Pond Fence, they would have a real chance – a prediction that proved accurate. "It was a wonderful day and the crowd were superb," King said, highlighting the electric atmosphere as they walked back to the winner’s enclosure.
He praised Edwardstone as a "special horse" and reflected on the broader context of the sport: "There are a lot of down days, but this one ranks right up there with the best. We haven’t had a Grade One for a while, so this is huge for us." King also addressed the loss of Thistle Ask, expressing sympathy for the connections and acknowledging that the tragedy had inadvertently opened up the race for his own horse.
He made it clear that retirement was not on the agenda, stating, "We’re not discussing retirement today and I might 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." Tom Cannon echoed King’s sentiments, noting how familiar the race pattern felt after countless rides at Sandown.
"The race worked out perfectly," he said, describing how he gave Edwardstone a gentle squeeze at the Pond Fence and the horse responded beautifully. Cannon credited the Plumpton run for giving Edwardstone the fitness and confidence needed to excel, calling the horse a "servant" who had provided many great days. He praised Alan King for his skillful training, adding that the victory on the final day of the season was a "remarkable performance" that would be remembered by fans and insiders alike.
The incident involving Thistle Ask prompted a statement from Sandown’s veterinary team, confirming that the horse was assessed on‑course and, for welfare reasons, was humanely euthanised. The statement expressed heartfelt condolences to the horse’s caretakers and connections, underscoring the somber reality that can accompany the sport. The same meeting also featured a standout performance from Havaila, who continued his rapid rise under the patient guidance of jockey Caoilin Quinn. Havaila, a seven‑year‑old trained by Gary and Josh Moore, won the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown, proving himself a genuine contender for next year’s Grand National.
Despite a field that was smaller and perhaps less competitive than in previous years, Havaila’s victory was decisive. Starting at 5‑1, the horse was a key player throughout the race, staying in contention at the Pond Fence while rivals Our Power and Road To Home attempted to assert themselves. Although Havaila met the final fence with an awkward stride, he rallied powerfully, edging out Our Power by a short head, with Road To Home a neck behind in third place.
Gary Moore praised both horse and jockey, saying, "Fair play to Caoilin – he gave him a great ride and got him switched off well enough. Caoilin has really stepped up this year and deserves the credit." Moore noted that Havaila had carried a ten‑pound penalty compared to his previous Sussex National win, yet still managed to dominate the race. He expressed optimism about the horse’s future, hinting at a possible Grand National campaign while also emphasizing the need to monitor Havaila’s condition after the demanding effort. In summary, the Celebration Chase at Sandown delivered a mixture of triumph and tragedy.
Edwardstone’s victory demonstrated the enduring class of a seasoned Grade One performer, while the loss of Thistle Ask reminded everyone of the inherent risks in horse racing. Meanwhile, Havaila’s Gold Cup win added another promising chapter to a season that, despite a reduced field, showcased the depth of talent in British National Hunt racing.
The day concluded with a sense of reverence for the sport’s highs and lows, and an anticipation of what the upcoming autumn and next season will bring for these remarkable horses and their connections.