Alan King’s seasoned gelding Edwardstone added a fourth Grade One victory to his impressive résumé by winning the bet365 Celebration Chase at Sandown, a race that proved both triumphant and bittersweet. While the day saw Dan Skelton become champion trainer for the first time and break the £5 million prize‑money barrier—a historic achievement in its own right—the festivities were marred by a tragic incident involving Skelton’s own star, Thistle Ask.
The talented four‑year‑old suffered a fatal injury during the two‑mile contest, casting a somber shadow over the celebrations. The race unfolded dramatically. Stablemate Mirabad, ridden by Tristan Durrell, was forced to pull up after an attempt to avoid the distressed Thistle Ask, and Joseph O’Brien’s Solness never found his rhythm on the day’s going.
This left JPR One in a strong position early on, but he was soon pressured by a fast‑closing Edwardstone, who entered the final furlong at odds of 11‑1. Tom Cannon, Edwardstone’s long‑time jockey, timed his move perfectly, guiding the veteran horse up the steep hill that had previously seen the gelding claim the Tingle Creek in December 2022.
After crossing the finish line, King could not contain his emotion. "That has to be one of my most emotional wins, it was very special," he said.
He praised the preparation at Plumpton, noting that the horse had never been quicker. "Tom asked if I wanted to rev him up at the start and I said there is no need – the job was done at Plumpton and he’s been a different horse since," King explained. He recalled a tactical conversation before the race: "I told Tom that if we were a couple of lengths off him at the Pond Fence, we’d have a hell of a chance." The victory, he added, felt like a reward for perseverance on a day when the crowd’s enthusiasm lifted the entire atmosphere.
King reflected on the broader context of the win, acknowledging the recent lack of Grade One success for his stable. "We haven’t had a Grade One for a while so this is good. Perhaps his Grade One days were behind him, but with no Jonbon today and the tragedy down the back – and I’m sorry for their team – things opened up for us," he said, showing both empathy for Thistle Ask’s connections and gratitude for the opportunity. He dismissed any immediate retirement plans, emphasizing Edwardstone’s enduring love for the course.
"He’s been up our hill at home thousands of times and he still attacks it every morning. That’s why I want to keep going with him; he’ll tell me when he’s had enough," King concluded. Tom Cannon echoed the sentiment, describing the race as a perfect execution of a familiar pattern. "The race worked out perfectly and I’ve ridden him here so many times; it always follows a similar rhythm," he noted.
He credited the Plumpton run for sharpening Edwardstone’s form, saying, "What a servant he’s been and he’s given me some great days – this could top the lot of them." Cannon also highlighted the crowd’s reaction, describing the cheers as a testament to the horse’s popularity, and praised King’s training acumen, calling it a "remarkable performance on the last day of the season." The incident with Thistle Ask prompted an official statement from Sandown Racecourse. The horse was examined by the venue’s specialist veterinary team, who determined that humane euthanasia was the most compassionate option for his welfare.
The statement expressed deep sympathy for the horse’s caretakers and connections, underscoring the inherent risks of National Hunt racing. The day also featured a standout performance from Havaila, a seven‑year‑old trained by Gary and Josh Moore. Under a patient ride from Caoilin Quinn, Havaila secured victory in the bet365 Gold Cup, confirming his status as a genuine Grand National prospect. Despite a modest field compared with previous years, Havaila demonstrated stamina and tenacity, holding off challengers Our Power and Road To Home.
After a hard‑fought finish, Havaila edged out Our Power by a short head, with Road To Home a neck behind in third. Gary Moore praised both horse and rider after the win.
"Fair play to Caoilin; he gave him a great ride and got him switched off well enough. Caoilin has really stepped up this year and is a good lad who deserves it," Moore said.
He noted the horse’s ability to overcome a 10‑pound weight penalty and expressed optimism about future campaigns, hinting at a potential Grand National run. "He’s travelling and travelling and only just got there, but at least he won’t go up 10lb this time. Let’s hope he’s all right tomorrow morning on that ground over that distance," Moore added, emphasizing the importance of the horse’s health and long‑term development.
Overall, the Celebration Chase delivered a blend of triumph, tragedy, and promise. Edwardstone’s victory reminded fans that experience and careful preparation can still defy age, while the loss of Thistle Ask served as a poignant reminder of the sport’s fragility.
Havaila’s Gold Cup win provided a glimpse of the next generation of stayers ready to challenge at the highest level. As the season draws to a close, trainers, jockeys, and owners alike will reflect on these moments, planning for the upcoming autumn campaign and the ever‑eager anticipation of next year’s Grand National.