Ceolwulf cleared to continue Autumn campaign

Trainer Joe Pride’s multiple Group 1 winner Ceolwulf has been cleared to continue his autumn preparation after stewards ruled out a three-month suspension, determining that blood observed in both nostrils following Saturday’s Apollo Stakes was the result of external trauma rather than exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH).

The five-year-old gelding underwent an endoscopic examination shortly after the race in the presence of Racing NSW chief veterinary officer Dr Carly Garling, with no blood detected in his trachea.

Ceolwulf was then transferred to a specialist veterinary hospital on Monday for further diagnostic testing, with those results subsequently reviewed by Racing NSW stewards.

Acting on the findings of a specialist equine veterinarian and Dr Garling’s recommendation, stewards were satisfied the bleeding was not attributable to EIPH, meaning the mandatory stand-down provisions under AR79 will not apply.

Ceolwulf finished sixth in the Apollo Stakes, 4.96 lengths behind the winner Autumn Glow.