Ceolwulf’s Half-Sister Breaks Through at Gosford

• Lupa Capitolina claims maiden victory at Gosford, indicating growth and potential

• Affiliated with Joe Pride's reputable stable, known for nurturing slow-maturing horses

• Linked to successful half-brother Ceolwulf, enhancing her promising pedigree

Lupa Capitolina broke through for her maiden win at Gosford on Thursday and there was still merit in the effort, even if it was only a narrow result as a heavily backed favourite.

She is still learning the caper, but has come on from her first campaign, which showed promise, and the Joe Pride stable often excels with these slower-maturing types.

The daughter of Almanzor had already hinted that a win was close when she resumed at Hawkesbury on March 17 over 1300m, where she ran the fastest last 200m of the entire card. That made the rise to 1600m look a positive move.

There is also a strong pedigree angle to the story, with Lupa Capitolina a half-sister to stablemate Ceolwulf and bought by John Foote Bloodstock for $260,000 at the 2024 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale.

Ceolwulf has won four Group 1 races, earned just under $11 million in prizemoney and stamped himself as one of the country’s best milers. His wins in the King Charles III Stakes and Champions Mile culminated Ceolwulf’s 2025 spring campaign, with blinkers proving the catalyst for his return to top form.

He is currently in the paddock after a bleeding issue cut short his autumn campaign, but Lupa Capitolina’s Gosford breakthrough gave the family another timely lift for the Pride stable.