Ceolwulf cleared to race on this preparation

Trainer Joe Pride’s multiple Group 1 winner Ceolwulf will be able to continue his autumn campaign after stewards decided against imposing a three-month ban after determining the presence of blood in both nostrils following Saturday’s Apollo Stakes was caused by external trauma and not exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH).

The horse was examined endoscopically soon after the race in the presence of Racing NSW chief veterinary officer Dr Carly Garling, with no evidence of blood detected in the trachea of the five-year-old gelding.

Further diagnostic testing was undertaken at a specialist veterinary hospital on Monday, with the findings subsequently provided to Racing NSW stewards.

Acting on the report of a specialist equine veterinarian and the recommendation of Dr Garling, stewards were satisfied the bleeding was not attributable to EIPH, clearing Ceolwulf of the mandatory stand-down provisions under AR79.

He ran sixth in the Apollo, 4.96 lengths behind winner Autumn Glow.