Joe Pride‘s gun galloper Ceolwulf returned to his brilliant best over the Randwick mile on Saturday, successfully defending his title in the Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes results on The Everest Day.

Ceowulf turned back to the clock successfully defending his title in the 2025 King Charles III Stakes. Photo: Bradley Photos.

In just his second turf triumph since winning the feature last year, the five-year-old son of Tavistock claimed back-to-back victories in the Group 1 showdown.

He delivered a masterclass under Chad Schofield, reaffirming his status as a top-tier miler despite his generous $10 price.

“That was absolutely amazing,” Pride said.

“I watched it down there with my two daughters who never come to the racetrack, so it was really special.”

Blinkers Prove a Masterstroke

Pride pulled off a tactical masterstroke by applying blinkers for the first time, a move that paid off spectacularly.

Ceolwulf surged to victory, becoming the first horse to be a dual champion since the legendary, three-time hero Winx (2016-18).

“It’s a relief,” Schofield admitted to Sky Thoroughbred Central post-race.

“I said it even today to the owners ‘if he runs to his best, he’ll win.’ Because I know how good he is, I’ve got so much belief in him.

“Just a masterstroke by Joe, just keeping that ace up his sleeve for the grand final today.

“The blinkers just brought out the best of him and god, he was good.”

Despite questions over his recent form, the defending champion settled beautifully in the run and responded powerfully when asked, storming past rivals to win decisively and atoning for his unplaced sixth in the Epsom Handicap last time out.

“12 months in the waiting really. 12 months ago, I thought here he is, the best horse I’ll ever train, and we spent another 12 months waiting to see that again,” Pride said.

“I think the blinkers had a fair bit to do with it today and I was really happy, Chad (Schofield) said to me the track is not as firm as it was on Epsom Day.

“I think that’s all he needs, just be able to get his toe into the ground and we’ve stuck with Chad and so happy for him to get the result there today.

“He just needed to find some room because he was full of running.”

Mr Brightside’s Brave Effort

The victory saw Ceolwulf charge up the inside to beat the Lindsay Park veteran Mr Brightside by 1.77 lengths.

Mr Brightside ($4.20F), coming off his historic third straight Makybe Diva Stakes win, was hampered by a wide barrier draw and still managed to impress jockey Craig Williams with his brave second-place effort as the beaten favourite.

“It’s a shame he was dealt a really hard barrier draw,” Williams said.

“He had a tough, difficult run. It shows the calibre of horse that he is that he still fought it out to run second.

“Another very brave performance from Mr B.”

Flashing home into third to complete the trifecta at big odds was the improving Kiwi raider Pier ($50/1), trained by Darryn & Briar Weatherley.

Jockey Ethan Brown offered optimism for the future.

“Ran out of his skin. He is a good horse. I think up to 2000m it will really suit him,” he said.

Carnival Options Loom

Pride indicated that there is still plenty to come for Ceolwulf, who is now likely to head to Flemington during the Melbourne Cup Carnival for either the $3 million Champions Mile or Champions Stakes on November 8.

“This horse is a long way from being finished, there’s plenty of wins to come,” he said.

“He wins the races that count and gets beaten in a few that I guess don’t count as much.

“I’ll have a chat to Chad about him. I’d love to take him to Flemington, give him a look, so it will either be the mile or 2000m.”

Ceolwulf has firmed into $6 second-favourite for the Champions Mile through Ladbrokes behind Mr Brightside ($4) and is priced at $11 to win the 2025 Champions Stakes.

“He’s a great miler, three of his best wins have been here over a mile,” Schofield admitted.

“But I can’t keep forgetting the fact that he’s run second in the Derby over 2400m on a heavy track, so we know he’s got the stamina too.

“He’s just a great horse when he’s right and he’s got options.”

2025 King Charles III Stakes Results

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