Havaila clinched the Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown, edging out Our Power by a short head after a three‑way sprint. Caoilin Quinn rode the 5‑1 shot to victory, with 4‑1 favourite Road to Home finishing third. The win also boosts Moore’s standing ahead of the spring festivals, and Sean Bowen secured the champion jockey title.

Champion trainer Dan Skelton celebrated breaking the £5m prize‑money barrier, though his day turned tragic when Thistle Ask was euthanised after a heavy fall in the Celebration Chase. Nicky Henderson withdrew Jonbon, citing the rapid pace, while 12‑year‑old Edwardstone, an 11‑1 outsider, claimed the Celebration victory. Skelton’s earnings now exceed the five‑million mark, a milestone for any National Hunt trainer.

The meeting drew ire from Sir AP McCoy, who blasted the ‘good‑to‑firm’ ground and the 18 withdrawals, including favourite Montregard owned by JP McManus. Clerk of the course Andrew Cooper admitted the course lacked rain to soften the turf, prompting calls to move the jump finale elsewhere. Fans and pundits alike questioned whether Sandown can retain its status as the season’s climax under such conditions.