Sandown Jumps Finale 2026: Champions Crowned, Quality Remains

With the championships already settled - Dan Skelton confirmed as champion trainer and Sean Bowen as champion jockey - Sandown’s finale loses none of its competitive edge, but shifts in tone. This is no longer a day of pursuit; it is a stage for consolidation, for the best horses of the spring to sign off in races that still demand precision and stamina.

Sandown, as ever, will not flatter. Its stiff finish ensures that even in late April, only fully committed efforts are rewarded.

Celebration Chase: Jonbon sets the standard

The Celebration Chase revolves around Jonbon (Nicky Henderson; Nico de Boinville), whose consistency at the highest level makes him the benchmark.

Around Sandown, where accurate jumping at pace is essential, his professionalism is a major asset.

The most credible opposition comes from Edwardstone (Alan King; Tom Cannon), a horse whose peak form still entitles him to be taken seriously, and JPR One (Joe Tizzard; Brendan Powell), who brings solid Grade 1 and Grade 2 form into the race.
For the champion trainer, Thistle Ask (Dan Skelton; Harry Skelton) adds intrigue.

Less exposed than the principals, he has the profile of a horse still progressing, and this represents a significant test of that upward curve.

Oaksey Chase: Open, but not lacking depth

The Oaksey Chase lacks a single headline act, but compensates with balance.
Blow Your Wad (Gary & Josh Moore; Freddie Mitchell) is one of the more persuasive candidates, a horse who has shaped like a staying chaser capable of stepping forward in this company.

Doyen Quest (Dan Skelton; Harry Skelton) brings the champion yard firmly into the picture again, while Teddy Blue (Harry Derham; Paul O’Brien) offers a slightly different angle - a horse with class, now being asked to prove his stamina at this level.

The presence of Matterhorn (Paul Nicholls; Harry Cobden) ensures the race retains a degree of established quality, particularly given Nicholls’ record at this meeting.

Bet365 Gold Cup: The day’s defining test

The bet365 Gold Cup remains the most searching race on the card - a staying handicap where efficiency matters more than flair.

Havaila (Gary & Josh Moore; Caoilin Quinn) has the profile of a typical winner: progressive, resilient, and tactically adaptable. He arrives with the right blend of experience and momentum.

Resplendent Grey (Olly Murphy; Sean Bowen) is another to note. With the champion jockey aboard, he is likely to be delivered with patience - a key attribute in a race where over-commitment is often punished.

From the Irish challenge, Road To Home (Willie Mullins; Danny Mullins) cannot be ignored. Mullins’ record in targeting valuable handicaps late in the season is well established, and this horse fits the mould of one primed for a big effort.

Meanwhile, Henry’s Friend (Ben Pauling; Ben Jones) represents the type of strong-staying British handicapper who often thrives in this contest.

Select Hurdle: Tactical depth in a small field

The Select Hurdle may lack numbers, but it rarely lacks nuance.

Jingko Blue (Nicky Henderson; Nico de Boinville) sets a high standard, bringing strong recent form and the assurance of a rider who excels in controlled, tactical races.

Kabral Du Mathan (Dan Skelton; Harry Skelton) is the principal threat from the champion yard - progressive, versatile, and likely to be ridden positively.

Rubaud (Paul Nicholls; Harry Cobden) adds further depth, representing a stable that consistently performs well at Sandown, particularly in races requiring both speed and stamina.

The Final Word

Without the tension of a title race, Sandown’s finale becomes something purer: a card defined by racecraft rather than arithmetic.

Across the afternoon, a pattern emerges:

Henderson’s class in Jonbon and Jingko Blue

Skelton’s depth through Thistle Ask, Doyen Quest and Kabral Du Mathan

Nicholls’ enduring presence via Matterhorn and Rubaud

Mullins’ selective but significant challenge with Road To Home

And threaded through it all, the influence of leading riders - Nico de Boinville, Harry Skelton, Harry Cobden, and champion jockey Sean Bowen - whose decisions will shape how these races unfold.

At Sandown, the margins are always narrow. Titles may already be decided, but the demands of the track remain unchanged: jump cleanly, conserve energy, and commit only when it matters.

Those who do will leave the season not just with a run, but with a statement.