Alan King’s seasoned veteran, Edwardstone, secured his fourth Grade One triumph in the bet365 Celebration Chase at Sandown, proving that experience can still dominate the top tier of National Hunt racing. The win came on a day that also saw Dan Skelton claim his first champion‑trainer title and become the inaugural trainer to break the £5 million prize‑money ceiling. Tragically, Skelton’s own star, Thistle Ask, suffered a fatal injury during the two‑mile contest, casting a somber shadow over an otherwise historic meeting.
The race unfolded dramatically. Thistle Ask, who had been the season’s standout performer, collided with stablemate Mirabad, causing jockey Tristan Durrell to be unseated as he tried 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.
JPR One held the front until the final furlong, when Edwardstone, starting at 11‑1, surged forward under the guidance of Tom Cannon. The pair found a second‑wind on the uphill stretch that leads to the famous Pond Fence – the same climb where Edwardstone captured the Tingle Creek in December 2022 – and they pressed home a decisive finish.
After the race, King described the moment as "one of the most emotional wins" of his career. He praised Edwardstone’s recent form, noting that a sharpening run at Plumpton had unlocked a new level of speed. "Tom asked if we should rev him up at the start, and I told him there was no need – Plumpton had done the work and the horse was a different animal," King recalled. He added that a tactical move at the Pond Fence – staying a few lengths behind the leader – gave them a winning edge.
"The crowd was fantastic, the atmosphere was electric, and Edwardstone proved he’s still a special horse," King said, emphasizing that moments like this are why he remains in the sport despite the inevitable down days. King also hinted at the future, saying retirement is not on the agenda yet. "He’s tackled that hill at home countless times and still attacks it with the same enthusiasm each morning. I’ll let him tell me when it’s time to step back," he said, underscoring the partnership’s mutual respect.
Tom Cannon echoed the trainer’s sentiments, noting that the race unfolded exactly as they had anticipated. "Having ridden Edwardstone here so often, I know the rhythm. The Pond Fence is a familiar checkpoint, and after a good squeeze, he finished strongly. Plumpton’s preparation paid dividends today," Cannon explained.
He praised Edwardstone’s consistency and the affection the public has for the gelding. "He’s given me many great days, and this could be the pinnacle. To win on the final day of the season is remarkable, and Alan deserves a lot of credit for keeping this horse in top form," Cannon added. The incident involving Thistle Ask prompted an official statement from Sandown.
The horse sustained a severe injury during the Celebration Chase and, after assessment by the track’s veterinary team, was humanely euthanised for welfare reasons. The statement expressed heartfelt condolences to the horse’s connections and caretakers. Elsewhere at Sandown, Havaila continued his rapid rise under a composed ride from Caoilin Quinn, clinching the bet365 Gold Cup. Though the field was thinner than in previous years, the seven‑year‑old, owned by Gary and Josh Moore, demonstrated genuine Grand National potential.
After winning the Sussex National in his previous outing, Havaila carried ten pounds more than his rival but still dictated the pace for much of the race. He was challenged at the Pond Fence by Our Power and Road To Home, but despite an awkward stride at the final turn, 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 horse and rider, saying, "Caoilin gave a superb ride, switching him off smoothly. He’s stepped up this year and deserves the credit. The horse had a lot to do, but he kept going and didn’t have to concede the extra weight next time. We’re hopeful he’ll be fit for tomorrow’s long‑distance test and maybe even the Grand National down the line.
This win adds a valuable entry to his CV and we feel incredibly lucky to have him." Overall, the Celebration Chase weekend highlighted both the triumph and tragedy inherent in the sport. Edwardstone’s victory reminded fans that seasoned talent can still surprise, while the loss of Thistle Ask served as a sobering reminder of the risks involved. The performances of Havaila and other emerging stars suggest a bright future for the next generation of jump racers, ensuring that the excitement at Sandown will continue well into the coming season.