The 12-year-old Edwardstone claimed a first open Grade 1 success in the Celebration Chase at Sandown on Saturday. Even for a veteran as admirable as he, the victory was overshadowed by the fatal injury incurred by Thistle Ask.
Here is today’s racing news to begin the week.
Celebration Chase: Edwardstone victory marred by loss of Thistle Ask
Edwardstone claimed a very belated first Grade 1 success in open company on Saturday. The game 12-year-old overhauled JPR One to win the Celebration Chase at Sandown. With plenty of the big name chasers in Ireland staying at home or waiting for Punchestown, and Jonbon a late absentee due to the ground, Edwardstone took advantage of the conditions in his favour. Trainer Alan King said “we’re not discussing retirement today” when celebrating in the winners enclosure. (At The Races)
However, the Celebration Chase was greatly overshadowed by the death of Thistle Ask. The nine-year-old had been one of the stories of the jumps season, making a tremendous leap through the ranks. He won both the Haldon Gold Cup and Desert Orchid Chase in startling style earlier this term. A gallant second to Jonbon when first upped to Grade 1 company was a noble effort, as he would have beaten subsequent Champion Chaser Il Etait Temps. His passing marred a day of celebration for Dan Skelton’s team. (The Times)
International racing: Daryz & Ka Ying Rising sparkle
2025 Prix de l’Arc de Triopmhe hero Daryz returned to action with a fine success in the Group 1 Prix Ganay. Carrying the colours of the Aga Khan, Daryz won his first four starts of last term, before a pair of defeats. He carried those two losses into the Arc, in which he overcame Minnie Hauk for an exciting success. His return hinted that he may have plenty more to offer aged four for Francis-Henri Graffard. Runner-up Bright Picture was beaten three-and-a-half lengths. (Racing Post)
Superlative sprinter Ka Ying Rising astonished crowds at Sha Tin on Saturday. The Chairman’s Sprint Prize was won in a beguiling canter by the five-year-old, trained by David Hayes. Despite Zac Purton potentially withholding some gears, he broke his own track record in the process. Ka Ying Rising has now won 20 times in a row. There is still the possibility that he travels to Royal Ascot in June. (Sporting Life)
Punchestown Festival begins with Champion Chase for the ages
Sean Flanagan has said it is a case of “Barry vs Willie” in the Punchestown Champion Chase on Tuesday. The two trainers are responsible for the three horses battling for favouritism in a thrilling renewal. Mullins sends out Il Etait Temps and Majborough, while Connell saddles the returning defending champion Marine Nationale. Just one point separates the trio in the betting. Il Etait Temps dethroned the absent Marine Nationale at Cheltenham, with Majborough a beaten odds-on favourite. (Racing Post)