Alan King’s seasoned campaigner Edwardstone delivered a memorable performance by capturing the fourth Grade One victory of his lengthy career in the bet365 Celebration Chase at Sandown. The win was especially poignant for King, who described it as one of the most emotional moments of his life, reflecting on the horse’s resurgence after a period of relative quiet in top‑level competition. The day was marked by a series of historic milestones.
Dan Skelton celebrated his inaugural champion trainer title and broke the £5 million prize‑money barrier for the first time, while his promising colt Thistle Ask, who had dazzled throughout the season, suffered a tragic, fatal injury in the two‑mile feature. The incident cast a sombre shadow over the meeting, but it also opened a tactical window that Edwardstone and his connections were able to exploit.
The race unfolded with a series of dramatic twists. Stablemate Mirabad, ridden by Tristan Durrell, was forced to pull up after an attempt to avoid the struggling Thistle Ask, effectively removing a key contender from the contest.
Meanwhile, Joseph O’Brien’s Solness struggled on a day that did not suit the horse, allowing JPR One to assume a front‑running position early on. As the field turned into the final stretch, JPR One was forced to the outside, creating a narrow opening for the 11‑to‑1 outsider Edwardstone, who was guided expertly by Tom Cannon. Cannon, who has partnered Edwardstone on numerous occasions, timed his move perfectly, squeezing the horse through the Pond Fence and prompting a decisive surge up the hill. The pair surged forward, and Edwardstone, having been sharpened at Plumpton earlier in the season, displayed a level of speed and stamina that King described as “never seen before.” The horse’s acceleration on the uphill finish was reminiscent of his Tingle Creek win in December 2022, confirming that the preparation at Plumpton had paid dividends.
After the race, King spoke candidly about the significance of the victory. “It’s one of my most emotional wins – it was very special,” he said. He praised Edwardstone’s recent form, noting that the horse had never been so quick in his life.
King recounted a conversation with Cannon before the start, in which he told the jockey there was no need to over‑drive the horse because the work at Plumpton had already prepared him. “If you’re a couple of lengths off him at the Pond Fence, we’ll have a hell of a chance,” King added, emphasizing the confidence they felt heading into the final stages.
The win also carried a bittersweet undertone, as King acknowledged the tragedy involving Thistle Ask. “We’re not discussing retirement today and I might finish before him,” he said, referring to the horse’s future.
He expressed admiration for Edwardstone’s relentless enthusiasm, noting that the gelding still attacks the hill at home every morning despite having tackled it countless times in training. “That’s why I want to keep going with him and he’ll tell me when he’s had enough,” King concluded. Cannon echoed his trainer’s sentiments, describing the race as a perfect execution of a familiar pattern. “The race worked out perfectly and I’ve ridden him round here so many times; it’s always a similar sort of pattern,” he explained.
He credited the Plumpton run for giving Edwardstone the necessary confidence and stamina, adding that the horse had been a “great servant” throughout his career and that this victory could rank among the best moments they have shared. Cannon also praised King for his skillful handling of the horse, noting that the crowd’s reaction was a testament to Edwardstone’s popularity. The incident with Thistle Ask prompted an official statement from Sandown Racecourse. The statement confirmed that the horse sustained a serious injury during the Celebration Chase, was examined by the track’s specialist veterinary team, and was humanely euthanised to protect his welfare.
The racecourse extended heartfelt condolences to the horse’s connections and caretakers. The meeting also featured a notable performance from Havaila, who continued his rapid progression under a patient ride from Caoilin Quinn to claim the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown.
Although the field 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. Having previously won the Sussex National, Havaila carried a 10‑pound penalty but still entered the race as a 5‑to‑1 contender, staying on strongly through the final stages.
In the closing furlongs, Havaila was challenged by Our Power and Road To Home, but he responded with a powerful finish, edging Our Power by a short head and leaving Road To Home a neck behind in third. Gary Moore lauded Quinn’s ride, saying, “Caoilin gave him a great ride and got him switched off well enough.
He’s stepped up this year and deserves credit.” Moore expressed optimism about Havaila’s future, hinting at a possible Grand National campaign while hoping the horse would recover well from the demanding effort. Overall, the Celebration Chase meeting at Sandown delivered a mixture of triumph and tragedy.
Edwardstone’s victory highlighted the enduring talent of a veteran gelding capable of defying age, while the loss of Thistle Ask reminded the racing community of the sport’s inherent risks. The performances of both Edwardstone and Havaila underscored the importance of careful preparation, strategic riding, and the deep bond between horse and trainer that can turn a day of sorrow into a day of unforgettable achievement.