Alan King’s seasoned campaigner Edwardstone produced a remarkable performance in the bet365 Celebration Chase at Sandown, securing his fourth Grade One triumph of a distinguished career. The victory was especially poignant given the dramatic backdrop of the day: Dan Skelton celebrated his inaugural champion trainer title and broke the historic £5 million prize‑money ceiling, while the race also witnessed a tragic incident involving the highly‑rated Thistle Ask, who suffered a fatal injury during the two‑mile contest. The race unfolded with a series of dramatic twists. Thistle Ask, a standout throughout the season, was involved in a collision that saw his stablemate Mirabad lose jockey Tristan Durrell while attempting to avoid the fallen star.
The mishap left Joseph O’Brien’s Solness without a clear path, allowing JPR One to assume the lead. As the field approached the final stretch, JPR One was forced to the inside, giving Edwardstone—sent off at 11‑1 odds—a golden opportunity to surge forward under the guidance of Tom Cannon. The veteran horse responded with a powerful uphill drive, echoing the form that earned him the Tingle Creek at the same venue in December 2022. After the race, King described the win as "one of the most emotional victories" of his career.
He praised Edwardstone’s recent form, noting that a sharp performance at Plumpton had sharpened the horse’s speed and confidence. "Tom asked if I wanted to rev him up at the start, but there was no need," King recalled. "The work at Plumpton transformed him; he’s a different horse now.
If you can stay a few lengths behind at the Pond Fence, you have a real chance. The crowd’s energy was incredible, and it felt like a special day for everyone involved." King reflected on the broader context, acknowledging that the tragedy of Thistle Ask’s loss and the absence of rival Jonbon had inadvertently opened the race for Edwardstone. He emphasized that retirement was not on the agenda, adding that the horse still attacks the home hill with the same enthusiasm as when he was a youngster.
"He’ll tell me when he’s had enough," King said, underscoring his commitment to the horse’s welfare. Tom Cannon echoed the sentiment, highlighting how the race’s pattern mirrored previous outings at Sandown.
"The race unfolded exactly as we anticipated. After the Pond Fence, I gave him a gentle squeeze and he responded beautifully.
The preparation at Plumpton paid dividends today. Edwardstone has been a loyal servant, delivering many great days, and this could well be the pinnacle of them all. The crowd’s roar was massive, and finishing the season on such a high note is a testament to Alan King’s skill and dedication." The incident with Thistle Ask prompted an official statement from Sandown Racecourse: "Thistle Ask sustained an injury during the bet365 Celebration Chase.
He was examined on‑course by our specialist veterinary team, and for the sake of his welfare, the decision was made to humanely euthanise him. 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 at Sandown.
Despite a field that was thinner 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 start, Havaila carried a 10‑pound penalty but still entered the race as a 5‑1 contender and dominated much of the contest.
Approaching the final fence, Havaila appeared to lose a little momentum as Our Power and Road To Home challenged, yet he recovered with a powerful finish. He rallied to edge out Our Power by a short head, with Road To Home a neck behind in third. Moore praised both the horse and his jockey: "Caoilin gave him a superb ride and timed the switch‑off perfectly. He’s stepped up this year and deserves the credit.
The horse showed great stamina, travelling the distance and still finishing strongly. He won’t have to carry the extra 10 lb next time, which is a relief." Moore also hinted at future plans, suggesting that Havaila could be aimed at the Grand National after a brief rest. "We’ll focus on tomorrow’s recovery and then look ahead to the autumn campaign. He’s on the right trajectory and this win adds a valuable entry to his record.
We’re fortunate to have such a talented horse." Overall, the Celebration Chase at Sandown delivered a mix of triumph, tragedy, and emerging talent. Edwardstone’s victory demonstrated that experience and careful preparation can still overcome younger rivals, while the loss of Thistle Ask reminded the racing community of the sport’s inherent risks. Meanwhile, Havaila’s Gold Cup success signalled a promising future for the next generation of stayers, keeping fans eager for the upcoming National season.