Alan King’s seasoned campaigner Edwardstone captured the fourth Grade One victory of his lengthy career in the bet365 Celebration Chase at Sandown, delivering a performance that seemed to turn back the clock. The win arrived on a day that also saw Dan Skelton celebrate his first champion‑trainer title and become the inaugural trainer to break the £5 million prize‑money milestone.
Tragically, the same meeting was marred by a fatal injury to Skelton’s standout runner Thistle Ask, who suffered a severe breakdown in the two‑mile feature. 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, hampered by unsuitable ground, faded early. This left JPR One in the lead for a spell, but the front‑running horse was pressured tightly as the finish approached. Edwardstone, sent off at 11‑1, and his regular jockey Tom Cannon, seized the opportunity, staying on strongly up the steep hill that had previously seen Edwardstone claim the Tingle Creek in December 2022.
After the race, King described the victory as “one of my most emotional wins, it was very special.” He explained that a recent run at Plumpton had sharpened the gelding, noting, “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 was done at Plumpton and he’s been a different horse since.” King added that a tactical move at the Pond Fence, where he instructed Cannon to stay a couple of lengths off, proved decisive. “It’s a wonderful day and the crowd were superb. He’s a special horse.
This is why we do it – there are a lot of down days, but this one sits right up with the best.” King also reflected on the broader context of the meeting, acknowledging the absence of Jonbon and the heartbreaking loss of Thistle Ask. “Perhaps his Grade One days were behind him, but with no Jonbon today and the tragedy down the back – I’m sorry for their team – things opened up for us.” He dismissed any talk of retirement, saying, “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.” Cannon echoed the sentiment, noting how familiar the race had become.
“The race worked out perfectly and I’ve ridden him round here so many times; it always follows a similar pattern. We got to the Pond Fence, I gave him a squeeze and he finished nicely. The Plumpton run really stood him in good stead and we saw the benefit today.” He praised Edwardstone’s consistency, calling him “a servant” who has provided “great days,” and suggested this victory could be the pinnacle of their partnership. “It’s a proper story, lots of people follow him and he got a great cheer coming in.
To do it on the last day of the season is a remarkable performance and Alan King deserves a lot of credit.” The Sandown incident involving Thistle Ask prompted a statement from the racecourse: “Thistle Ask sustained an injury in the bet365 Celebration Chase. He was assessed on‑course by Sandown’s specialist veterinary team and it was decided that the best course of action for the horse’s welfare was humane euthanasia.
Our heartfelt condolences are with those who looked after him at home every day and all of his connections.” The loss cast a somber shadow over an otherwise celebratory meeting. Elsewhere at Sandown, Havaila continued his rapid rise under the patient guidance of Caoilin Quinn, clinching the bet365 Gold Cup. Although the overall field was thinner than in previous years, the seven‑year‑old trained by Gary and Josh Moore proved a genuine Grand National prospect.
After winning the Sussex National in his previous outing, Havaila carried ten pounds more than his last start, yet the 5‑1 shot stayed on strongly throughout the contest. He faced a late challenge at the Pond Fence from Our Power and Road To Home, but despite an awkward stride on the final turn, Havaila rallied powerfully to edge out Our Power by a short head, with Road To Home a neck back in third.
Gary Moore praised both horse and rider after the win: “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 is a good lad who deserves it.
I thought he had enough to do and a lot of ground to make up but he did it. He’s travelled and travelled and only just got there, but at least he won’t go up 10 lb this time.” Moore added, “Let’s hope he is all right tomorrow morning, running on that ground over that distance, let’s hope he’s OK. I suppose we might have to go down the Grand National route after that, but let’s get today over with and worry about next season in the autumn. He’s going in the right direction and he’s just started coming to himself.
It’s great to get this race on the CV and we’re really lucky to have this horse.” Overall, the Celebration Chase meeting delivered a mix of triumph and tragedy, showcasing the highs and lows that define National Hunt racing. Edwardstone’s age‑defying victory highlighted the value of patient training and careful race placement, while the loss of Thistle Ask reminded the sport of its inherent risks.
Meanwhile, emerging talents like Havaila offered a glimpse of future stars ready to tackle the sport’s biggest challenges.