Alan King’s seasoned campaigner Edwardstone added a fourth Grade One victory to his impressive résumé by winning the bet365 Celebration Chase at Sandown. The win came on a day that also saw Dan Skelton become champion trainer for the first time and break the £5 million prize‑money ceiling, a historic milestone for the sport.
Tragically, Skelton’s own star, Thistle Ask, suffered a fatal injury during the two‑mile contest, casting a somber shadow over the festivities. The race unfolded dramatically. Stablemate Mirabad was forced to lose jockey Tristan Durrell as he tried to avoid the falling Thistle Ask.
Meanwhile, Joseph O'Brien’s Solness struggled on a day that didn’t suit him, leaving JPR One to lead for a spell. As the field approached the final furlong, JPR One was caught tightly, opening the door for the 11‑to‑1 outsider Edwardstone and his regular rider Tom Cannon to surge up the hill that had previously seen Edwardstone claim the Tingle Creek in December 2022.
After the finish, King could not hide his emotion. “This is one of the most emotional wins of my career,” he said. “He’s been in superb form, and the work we did at Plumpton really sharpened him. He’s never been this quick before.
When Tom asked if we should give him a bit more at the start, I told him there was no need – the work at Plumpton had already done the job, and he’s a different horse now. "I told Tom that if he could stay a few lengths behind at the Pond Fence, we’d have a real chance. The atmosphere was electric, the crowd was fantastic, and walking back with him was a thrill.
He’s a special horse. This is why we keep going – there are plenty of down days, but this one sits right up there with the best. We hadn’t secured a Grade One in a while, so it means a lot. 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 yet – I might even finish before him. He’s tackled this hill at home countless times and still attacks it every morning. That’s why I want to keep him racing; he’ll tell me when the time is right." The victory marked the second occasion this season that Edwardstone seemed to turn back the clock, prompting his loyal jockey to wonder if this could be the pinnacle of their partnership. Cannon reflected on the race’s smooth execution: “The race unfolded exactly as we’d hoped.
I’ve ridden him around this course so often that the pattern is familiar. When we hit the Pond Fence I gave him a gentle squeeze and he responded beautifully. The prep at Plumpton clearly helped; you could see the benefit today. "He’s been a true servant, giving me many great days, and this might just be the best of them all.
The story is proper – the crowd gave a huge cheer, and to pull it off on the final day of the season is remarkable. Alan King deserves huge credit for keeping this horse in top condition." In the aftermath of Thistle Ask’s fatal injury, Sandown released a statement: “Thistle Ask sustained an injury in the bet365 Celebration Chase. He was examined on‑course by our specialist veterinary team, and it was determined that humane euthanasia was the most compassionate option for his welfare.
Our thoughts are with his connections and everyone who cared for him daily.” The meeting also featured a standout performance from Havaila, who continued his rapid rise under a patient ride from Caoilin Quinn to claim 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 himself a genuine Grand National prospect.
Having won the Sussex National in his last outing, Havaila carried a 10‑pound penalty but still entered the race as a 5‑to‑1 contender and dominated much of the contest. As the race neared its climax, Havaila was still a touch behind at the Pond Fence while Our Power and Road To Home tried to assert themselves.
Despite a slightly awkward stride at the final turn, Havaila summoned a powerful finish, edging out Our Power by a short head, with Road To Home a neck further back in third. Gary Moore praised both horse and rider: “Caoilin gave a fantastic ride, switching him off smoothly.
He’s stepped up this year and deserves the credit. I thought we’d have a lot of ground to make up, but he kept going and finished strongly. He’s travelled a lot and just got there in time – at least he won’t have to carry an extra 10 lb next time. Let’s hope he’s sound tomorrow after that effort on the ground over the distance.
"We might look at the Grand National route after this, but for now we’ll enjoy today’s win and plan for next season in the autumn. He’s heading in the right direction, finally finding his stride.
Adding this victory to his CV is huge, and we’re incredibly lucky to have him." The Celebration Chase day will be remembered for both its triumphs and its tragedies, showcasing the highs and lows that define horse racing. Fans can stay updated with the latest news, interviews, and features via Sky Sports Racing and other racing outlets.