Aethelwulf justifies short quote on Newcastle Cup

Progressive stayer Aethelwulf has continued his rapid rise through the grades with a dominant victory in the Group 3 Newcastle Gold Cup (2300m) on Friday.

The Matthew Smith-trained gelding was sent out a dominant $1.22 favourite and gave his supporters little cause for concern, with Zac Lloyd taking control of the race from the front.

Aethelwulf dictated proceedings before Lloyd began to increase the tempo approaching the 600m, while Changingoftheguard raced in pursuit and Age Of Sail and Elliptical attempted to stay in touch.

Once the field straightened for home, Aethelwulf quickly put the race beyond doubt, opening a commanding advantage as his rivals struggled to make any meaningful ground.

Steel Blaze produced a strong finish for Reece Jones and trainer Brett Lazzarini to claim second, while Bella Montagna and Regan Bayliss secured third for the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott stable ahead of the Ciaron Maher-trained Amplify in fourth.

The victory was Aethelwulf’s fourth consecutive win, with the lightly raced stayer continuing his progression through the staying ranks.

The result also delivered Aethelwulf his first victory at Group level.

Newcastle Cup Replay:

“He’s the king of Newcastle”

Easy work for the exciting @mcsmithracing stayer Aethelwulf as he makes it four straight taking out the @newcastleraces_ Cup over outsider Steel Blaze with Bella Montagna third. @tabcomau pic.twitter.com/RA1TgdAXeL

— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) September 18, 2026

Newcastle Cup Results: