Alan King’s seasoned campaigner, Edwardstone, delivered a memorable performance by clinching victory in the bet365 Celebration Chase at Sandown, marking the fourth Grade One win of King’s long‑standing career. The win was set against a backdrop of both triumph and tragedy. While Dan Skelton celebrated his first trainer’s championship and became the inaugural trainer to break the £5 million prize‑money barrier, his star performer Thistle Ask suffered a fatal injury during the two‑mile race, casting a somber pall over the event.
The race unfolded with a series of dramatic incidents. Stablemate Mirabad was forced to unseat jockey Tristan Durrell as he attempted to avoid the collapsing Thistle Ask. Meanwhile, Joseph O'Brien’s Solness was unable to find a rhythm on the day, leaving 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 rider Tom Cannon surged forward, capitalising on the momentum gained from his December 2022 Tingle Creek win at the same venue.
After the race, King described the victory as “one of the most emotional wins” of his career. He explained that a preparatory run at Plumpton had sharpened Edwardstone, noting, “He’d never been that quick before.
Tom asked if we should rev him up at the start, but there was no need – Plumpton did the job and he’s a different horse now.” King recalled a tactical conversation with Cannon before the race, saying, “If you’re a couple of lengths behind at the Pond Fence, we’ll have a huge chance.” The pair praised the enthusiastic crowd and the atmosphere, adding that moments like these remind them why they stay in the sport despite the inevitable down days. King also reflected on the broader context of the day, acknowledging the absence of Jonbon and the tragedy involving Thistle Ask, which had opened up the race for his own runner. He hinted at the possibility of retirement but insisted that Edwardstone still shows the same hunger he displayed at home on countless hill climbs, stating, “He’ll tell me when he’s had enough, and I’ll keep him running as long as he wants.” Tom Cannon echoed King’s sentiments, describing the race as “perfectly executed” and noting that his familiarity with the course helped him gauge the horse’s rhythm.
“We reached the Pond Fence, I gave him a squeeze, and he finished strongly. The Plumpton run really put him in good shape, and today we saw the benefit of that preparation,” Cannon said. He lauded Edwardstone’s consistency and the affection fans have for the gelding, adding, “He’s given me great days, and this could be the best of them.
It’s a proper story – the crowd gave a huge cheer, and finishing on the last day of the season makes it even more special. Alan King deserves huge credit for getting us here.” The incident with Thistle Ask prompted an official statement from Sandown Racecourse: “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 appropriate course of action for his welfare. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his caretakers and all connections.” The meeting also featured a notable performance from Havaila, who continued his rapid ascent under a composed ride from Caoilin Quinn to win the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown.
Although the overall quality and quantity of the field were lower 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 ten‑pound penalty but still entered the race as a 5‑1 favourite. Throughout the contest, Quinn kept him in contention, and despite a brief stumble at the Pond Fence, Havaila rallied to edge out Our Power by a short head, with Road To Home a neck further back in third place. Gary Moore praised both horse and rider after the race: “Caoilin gave a fantastic ride and settled him well.
He’s stepped up this year and deserves the credit. I thought we’d have a lot of ground to make up, but he travelled beautifully and just got there in time. At least he won’t be carrying an extra ten pounds next time. Let’s hope he’s sound tomorrow after running on that ground over the distance.” Moore added that the win could be a stepping‑stone toward a Grand National campaign, but cautioned that the immediate focus should be on recovery and planning for the next season.
Overall, the Celebration Chase provided a blend of jubilation and sorrow, showcasing the highs and lows inherent in horse racing. Edwardstone’s victory demonstrated the value of patient preparation and the deep bond between horse, trainer, and jockey, while the loss of Thistle Ask reminded everyone of the sport’s fragility.
As the season draws to a close, fans and connections alike will reflect on the memorable moments, the emotional victories, and the hope for future successes on the National circuit.