Alan King’s seasoned gelding Edwardstone captured the fourth Grade One victory of his lengthy career in the bet365 Celebration Chase at Sandown, delivering a performance that felt like a step back in time for the veteran horse. The day was marked by several notable storylines: Dan Skelton secured his first trainer's championship and shattered the £5 million prize‑money ceiling, while his star runner Thistle Ask, who had been the talk of the season, suffered a tragic, fatal injury during the two‑mile contest.
The race unfolded dramatically. Thistle Ask’s stablemate Mirabad, ridden by Tristan Durrell, was forced to pull up after attempting to avoid the fallen Thistle Ask. Meanwhile, Joseph O'Brien’s Solness failed to find a rhythm on the day’s going, allowing JPR One to take an early lead.
JPR One held the front until the final furlong, at which point Edwardstone, starting at 11‑1, and his jockey Tom Cannon surged forward, staying on strongly up the steep incline that had previously seen Edwardstone win the Tingle Creek in December 2022. After the win, King described the moment as “one of my most emotional victories, a truly special day.” He explained that a recent run at Plumpton had sharpened the horse, giving him a new burst of speed. “Tom asked if I wanted to rev him up at the start, but there was no need – Plumpton had done the work and he’s a different horse now,” King said.
He added that a modest gap at the Pond Fence would have been enough for them to secure the win, and he praised the crowd’s enthusiasm, calling Edwardstone “a special horse.” King reflected on the broader context, noting that the stable had not secured a Grade One for some time and that the absence of Jonbon, combined with the tragedy involving Thistle Ask, had opened a window of opportunity. He dismissed any talk of retirement, insisting that as long as Edwardstone continues to enjoy his daily hill work, they will keep racing together. Tom Cannon echoed the sentiment, emphasizing how familiar the race pattern had become for him. “The race unfolded exactly as we expected.
I’ve ridden Edwardstone here countless times and the rhythm is always the same,” he said. He credited the preparatory run at Plumpton for giving the gelding the fitness needed to finish strongly. Cannon lauded Edwardstone’s consistency and the support of the fans, calling the victory “a proper story” and highlighting that ending the season on such a high note was a remarkable achievement for trainer Alan King.
The incident with Thistle Ask prompted an official statement from Sandown: the horse sustained a serious injury in the Celebration Chase, was examined by the track’s veterinary team, and, in the interest of his welfare, was humanely euthanised. The statement expressed heartfelt condolences to the horse’s caretakers and connections.
The meeting also featured a standout performance from Havaila, who continued his rapid ascent under the patient guidance of jockey Caoilin Quinn to win the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown. Despite a field that was smaller than in previous years, the seven‑year‑old, owned by Gary and Josh Moore, proved his mettle as a genuine Grand National prospect.
After winning the Sussex National in his previous outing, Havaila carried a ten‑pound penalty but still entered the race as a 5‑1 favorite. Throughout the contest he stayed close to the leaders, and although he was briefly challenged at the Pond Fence by Our Power and Road To Home, he found an extra gear in the final strides. Havaila surged ahead to beat Our Power by a short head, with Road To Home a neck behind in third place.
Gary Moore praised both horse and rider after the race. “Caoilin gave Havaila a brilliant ride and timed the switch perfectly.
He’s stepped up this year and deserves the credit,” Moore said. He noted that the horse had to make up significant ground but managed to finish strongly, and expressed relief that Havaila would not have to carry the extra ten‑pound penalty in future outings. Looking ahead, Moore hinted at a possible Grand National campaign but emphasized the need to recover and plan for the next season.
Overall, the Celebration Chase meeting at Sandown delivered a mixture of triumph, tragedy, and promising future prospects. Edwardstone’s win added a nostalgic chapter to his storied career, while the loss of Thistle Ask reminded everyone of the sport’s inherent risks. Meanwhile, Havaila’s Gold Cup victory signalled a rising star ready to take on larger challenges, potentially including the iconic Grand National.
The day’s events underscored the emotional highs and lows that define horse racing, and fans can look forward to more compelling narratives as the season progresses.