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 triumph 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.
While the celebrations were high, the meeting was marred by tragedy when Thistle Ask, the season’s standout, suffered a fatal injury during the two‑mile contest. The race unfolded dramatically. Mirabad, riding alongside Thistle Ask, was forced to pull up after his mount tried to avoid the fallen star, and Joseph O’Brien’s Solness was unable to stay on a testing surface. This left JPR One in the lead, but he was soon challenged by the late‑running Edwardstone, who, at 11‑1, was still considered a genuine contender.
Tom Cannon, the jockey, guided the veteran horse through the final furlong, allowing Edwardstone to surge up the hill that had previously witnessed his Tingle Creek win in December 2022. After the finish, King was visibly moved. "It’s one of the most emotional victories of my career," he said. "He’s been in fantastic form.
Plumpton sharpened him, and he’s never been quicker. When Tom asked whether we should rev him up at the start, I told him there was no need – Plumpton had done the work and he’s a different horse now." King explained his race‑day tactics: "I told Tom that if he was a few lengths behind at the Pond Fence, we would have a real chance. The atmosphere was incredible, the crowd was superb, and walking back with Edwardstone felt like a celebration of everything we love about racing. He’s a special horse." He continued, reflecting on the broader context: "Days like this remind us why we stay in the sport.
We’ve had a few down days, but this one sits right up there with the best. It’s been a while since we’ve secured a Grade One, so this win means a lot. Perhaps his top‑level days seemed behind him, but with Jonbon out and the tragedy earlier, the race opened up for us." When asked about retirement, King was cautious. "We’re not talking about retirement now.
I might even finish before him. He’s tackled our home hill countless times and still attacks it every morning.
That’s why I want to keep him racing – he’ll tell me when it’s time to step away." The victory was part of a broader narrative of Edwardstone defying expectations. This was the second occasion this season that the horse seemed to turn back the clock, prompting his loyal rider to wonder if this was the pinnacle of their shared achievements. Cannon echoed the sentiment, noting the familiarity of the course: "The race unfolded exactly as we hoped.
I’ve ridden him here so many times; the pattern is always the same. We hit the Pond Fence, I gave him a squeeze, and he finished strongly. The work at Plumpton really paid off today." Cannon praised the horse’s temperament: "He’s been a servant to us, giving us great days, and this could be the best of them all. The story is genuine – the crowd gave him a massive cheer.
Winning on the final day of the season is remarkable, and Alan King deserves huge credit for keeping this horse in top condition." The meeting also featured a somber statement from Sandown regarding Thistle Ask: "Thistle Ask sustained an injury in the bet365 Celebration Chase. He was examined on‑course by our specialist veterinary team, and it was decided that humane euthanasia was the most compassionate option for his welfare. Our heartfelt condolences go to his connections and everyone who cared for him daily." In another highlight, Havaila continued his rapid ascent under the patient guidance of Caoilin Quinn, clinching the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown.
Although the field was smaller than in previous years, the seven‑year‑old trained by Gary and Josh Moore proved his mettle as a genuine Grand National prospect. After winning the Sussex National in his last outing, Havaila carried a 10‑pound penalty but still raced as a 5‑to‑1 favourite, staying prominent throughout the contest. Approaching the Pond Fence, Havaila appeared to be slightly beaten by Our Power and Road To Home, yet he found a second wind. Despite an awkward stride at the final turn, 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 rider: "Caoilin gave him a fantastic ride and got him switched off well. He’s stepped up this year and deserves the credit.
I thought he had a lot of ground to make up, but he delivered. He’s travelled a long way and, at least this time, won without having to carry an extra 10 lb.
Let’s hope he’s fit tomorrow, running on this ground over the distance." Moore added a forward‑looking note: "We might aim for the Grand National after this, but for now we’ll enjoy today’s success and think about next season in the autumn. He’s heading in the right direction and finally coming into his own.
Adding this win to his record is fantastic, and we’re incredibly lucky to have him." Overall, the Celebration Chase at Sandown delivered a blend of triumph, sorrow, and hopeful prospects for the future, underscoring the unpredictable drama that makes National Hunt racing so compelling.