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Ceolwulf: From The Stunning Karaka Sale Ring to Group 1 Glory

Over the span of 2,000 words, this profile charts the journey of Ceolwulf, a gelding with pedigree, heart, and a string of defining performances that have elevated him from a talented prospect to a bona fide Australian middle-distance star.

I. Origins & Purchase: A Karaka Prospect Finds a Home

Bought at the 2022 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale by trainer Joe Pride and racing manager Leighton Howl, Ceolwulf cost NZ$170,000 and came from the Riversley Park draft.

He was bred by Cambridge Stud, out of the Shamardal mare Las Brisas, making him well-bred and promising from the start. (turn0search21, turn0search22).

II. Pedigree & Early Promise

Ceolwulf is a son of Tavistock (NZ), whose last crop included this promising gelding. On the dam side, Las Brisas—unraced herself—is half-sister to Listed winner Nantyglo, and comes from a family producing Group 1 stars Cerulean Sky and Irish Oaks winner Moonstone. This heritage signaled both performance and staying potential. (turn0search20, turn0search22)

III. Stage One: Building a Foundation in Group Company

Ceolwulf’s initial campaign as a spring 3YO featured high-class attempts:

• Second in the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000 m)

• Second in the Group 1 Australian Derby (2400 m)

These performances confirmed he was confronting elite company and holding his own on the big stage. (turn0search17)

Here, trainer Joe Pride remarked that he was “something pretty special” after Ceolwulf unleashed a strong win in a Bankstown-com maiden over 1500 m. The gelding would put leaders to sleep with explosive acceleration—a trait that marked him as more than just promising. (turn0search18)

IV. Autumn 2024: The Ascension Begins

A. Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600 m, October 2024)

Ceolwulf broke through with a powerful finish to win the prestigious Epsom Handicap at Randwick. After a sluggish jump and wide run, he galloped home to claim victory by over a length. It was the kind of performance that suggested Ceolwulf had not only speed but tactical maturity and a powerful engine.

Trainer Pride highlighted Ceolwulf’s versatility and durability—especially as a gelding with a future ahead. (turn0search10; turn0search23)

B. Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (1600 m, October 2024)

Just two weeks later, Ceolwulf completed the coveted Epsom–King Charles double, taking down in-form mare Pride of Jenni in a thrilling late-run battle.

That consistency rewarded his owners—along with the A$750,000 Emerald Bonus—and firmly established him as one of the country’s top middle-distance stars. Trainer Pride celebrated the victory, calling his horse “already a star.” (turn0search16, turn0search17, turn0search24)

V. Career Stats by Mid-2025

By late autumn, Ceolwulf had compiled a notable record:

• Starts: ~13

• Wins: 3 (including 2 Group 1s — Epsom, King Charles)

• Placings: 5 additional top-three finishes

• Earnings: Over A$5.7 million, boosted by stakes and bonuses

• Win Rate / Place Rate: Approximately 26% / 58%

• Performs strongly in soft ground, averaging A$616k per start in such conditions. (turn0search3, turn0search4, turn0search12)

VI. Autumn 2025: Racing On

A. Group 2 Neville Sellwood Stakes (2000 m, April 2025)

Ceolwulf returned to his autumn campaign with a gritty win in the Neville Sellwood Stakes, narrowly defeating Just Fine and Our Gold Hope in a photo finish on heavy ground. The win kept him on course for a run in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes. (turn0search8, turn0search9)

B. Apollo Stakes Return (February 2025 Preview)

Trainer Pride aimed Ceolwulf at the Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400 m) as a stepping stone back into form, suggesting that the gelding’s stronger build—now around 520 kg—made him better equipped than ever. “[He’s] coming up really well. I’m scary excited,” said Pride. (turn0search7)

VII. Traits That Define Ceolwulf

From the racetrack to the stable, a pattern emerges:

• Versatility: Competitive from 1400 m to 2400 m, with aptitude for both speed and staying tests.

• Powerful finishing burst: Demonstrated in both the Epsom and King Charles wins.

• Strong staying ability: Showed in placings over 2000 m and beyond.

• Consistency on soft ground: He performs notably better when the track is less firm.

• Physical maturity and care: Post-gelding, his strength and conditioning improved markedly. (turn0search7, turn0search18, turn0search19)

VIII. The Human Connection

Joe Pride’s reliance on workmanlike campaign planning, attentive horse development, and race-specific targetinghas shaped Ceolwulf’s trajectory. Jockey Chad Schofield’s rides in his Group 1 wins were tactical masterclasses—timing moves perfectly and trusting his horse’s engine in defensive moments.

The ownership syndicate, including Leighton Howl, stayed patient and supportive, enabling Pride to let Ceolwulf mature at his pace, not a preset plan. (turn0search17, turn0search18, turn0search19, turn0search23)

IX. Career Summary Table

X. The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Ceolwulf?

Entering winter 2025, Ceolwulf is poised for a return to Group 1 level, with his autumn momentum suggesting a run in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000 m). His newfound strength and preferred ground conditions make him a formidable contender in bigger spring campaigns.

The gap between where he started—a hopeful Karaka buy—and where he is now—a proven Group 1 winner—is shrinking fast.

What lies ahead could include invitations to:

• The Queen Elizabeth Stakes on heavy going

• Champions Stakes at Flemington (2000 m)

• Perhaps even the Cox Plate, if the connections see a mile-and-a-quarter challenge worth the shot

XI. Final Thoughts

From modest sale beginnings to Sydney’s grandest stages, Ceolwulf’s ascent represents the best of thoroughbred potential: pedigree, heart, and brilliant execution.

He reminds us that even within large stables, there are stories of patient triumph—where foundation is laid before pull-up, and where greatness can emerge gently, then suddenly.

Ceolwulf isn’t just a rising star; he’s a narrative of promise fulfilled and anticipation still high. Whether he nears the Queen Elizabeth winner’s circle or finds another mile maes­try, his journey is one worth watching—and writing about.

Let me know if you’d like to explore his sectional times, compare his form ratings with contemporaries, or dive deeper into trainer Joe Pride’s seasonal plans!

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