Joe Pride kept his emotions in check as he reflected on Ceolwulf’s absence from the Verry Elleegant Stakes at Randwick on Saturday.

The four-year-old, a two-time Group 1 winner and runner-up in the 2024 Australian Derby, was set to face Via Sistina and Fangirl over the mile in the Sydney Autumn Carnival.

“We couldn’t go around this time,” Pride admitted.

“We had a horse ready to go in a group one, and you want to run them, but it was a fifty-fifty call on Friday. I just wasn’t happy enough with him on race morning.”

An abrasion to Ceolwulf’s off-hind cannon, sustained after trackwork on Friday morning, led to the decision.

“It wasn’t too bad, but it wasn’t worth the risk,” Pride added.

Ceolwulf will now line up in the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) at Randwick this Saturday before heading to the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on March 22, where he will face Fangirl again.

“Our main aim is still the Queen Elizabeth, but we might now aim for the Doncaster as he needs more racing to get there.”

“Where he was less than 50% likely for the Doncaster Mile, now he’s a better chance of making it.”

Despite the setback, Pride kept his disappointment in check.

“Believe me, I am disappointed,” he said.

“I’ve just had a few more hours to get over it.”