Jump Finale Day at Sandown: Havaila Strikes Gold as Champions Crowned in Dramatic Season Closer

The curtain came down on the British jumps season in typically compelling fashion at Sandown, where the Bet365 Gold Cup delivered a thrilling finish, championship honours were confirmed, and a mix of celebration and heartbreak defined the day.

The feature race produced a dramatic three-way finish as Havaila, trained by Gary Moore and ridden by Caoilin Quinn, landed the spoils in the handicap chase. Sent off at 5/1, the seven-year-old produced a strong late surge to edge out Our Power by a short head, with 4/1 favourite Road to Home back in third in a tightly bunched finish. It marked a third straight victory for Havaila, who had previously taken the Sussex National and now looks increasingly like a potential contender for even bigger targets next season.

Gary Moore hinted post-race that the Grand National could now be on the radar, while Quinn credited the fast conditions at Sandown for the performance, with the horse clearly thriving on the quick surface. The going, officially described as good, but good-to-firm in places, proved influential throughout the day, with 18 non-runners across the card underlining how testing the ground proved for connections.

While Havaila stole the headlines in the Gold Cup, the day was equally significant for the season’s championship storylines. Sean Bowen was crowned champion jockey after a dominant campaign that saw him ride 241 winners, finishing a remarkable 114 clear of his nearest rival Harry Skelton.

In the training ranks, Dan Skelton secured his long-awaited breakthrough as champion trainer, finally overcoming Willie Mullins after back-to-back near misses. Skelton also became the first trainer to surpass £5 million in prize money in a single National Hunt season, a milestone that reflected both volume and quality across his yard. His brother Harry played a key role on the day, landing the Oaksey Chase aboard Doyen Quest to help push the total beyond the landmark figure.

There was further success earlier on the card for Skelton, with Queen Maeve winning the opening Juvenile Handicap Hurdle under Tristan Durrell, who also picked up the champion conditional jockey title. It was a day that showcased the strength and depth of the Skelton operation, with achievements stretching from emerging talent to established graded performers.

However, the celebrations were tempered by tragedy. Thistle Ask, a stable favourite for Dan Skelton, suffered a fatal fall in the Celebration Chase, casting a sombre shadow over the latter stages of the meeting.

The Celebration Chase itself went to 12-year-old Edwardstone, a 11/1 shot, after Nicky Henderson opted to withdraw market favourite Jonbon on the grounds of fast going. Henderson described the conditions as too quick to take risks, a decision that reflected wider concerns among some connections.

Elsewhere, JP McManus was confirmed as champion owner, while Dan Skelton reflected on a landmark season that saw him finally claim the title after years of near misses.

From Havaila’s Gold Cup triumph to championship milestones and moments of real sadness, Sandown’s finale captured the full spectrum of National Hunt racing. As the season closed, attention already begins to turn to the next, but Saturday’s action ensured 2026 will be remembered for many years to come.

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