‘He cruised through it’ – King relief as emphatic Edwardstone wins Tingle Creek

Saturday: Betfair Tingle Creek Chase, Sandown

Edwardstone made a triumphant comeback in brilliant fashion when he ran out a stunning winner of the Betfair Tingle Creek Chase, storming clear up the Sandown hill from last year’s winner Greaneteen.

The Alan King-trained star won last season’s Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival and stamped his claims as Britain’s leading chaser when going clear after the final fence under Tom Cannon to win by nine lengths.

Paddy Power reacted quickly by cutting Edwardstone to 11-4 from 8-1 for the Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, while Betfair are offering 3-1.

“I couldn’t believe how well I was going,” Cannon said. “I winged the Pond Fence then I was away.

“To ride a horse like him, he does the talking for me. It was an unbelievable training performance to come here first time out and win.

“It was the proof in the pudding today. He’s a very straightforward ride and was a carbon-copy of when he won the novice race here last year.”

Edwardstone had missed his intended reappearance twice last month due to quick ground, but King was relieved to finally get him back on the track and secure his first Tingle Creek success.

“We’ve been second in it a few times, it means a lot,” he said. “It’s a huge relief to be honest.

“I said to Tom it wasn’t the be-all and end-all today and don’t be too hard on him if it’s not happening, but he cruised through it.”

Shishkin, the 6-5 favourite who was racing for the first time since pulling up in the Queen Mother Champion Chase, never looked comfortable and was a well-beaten third.

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by RacingPost