Orthodox recovered admirably from his loss in the Prix Morny, proving his class at the highest level for the first time in the Tattersalls Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket. The race unfolded with Force Noir taking charge early, establishing a brisk tempo at the front of the field.
Rossa Ryan, aboard the Norfolk Stakes winner, quickly challenged and prompted Orthodox to respond as they approached the three‑furlong point. The Clive Cox‑trained colt, sent off at 7‑2, was forced to battle all the way to the finish line. In the closing stages, Robson De Aguiar’s Force Noir surged forward at generous odds, but Orthodox managed to edge the rival by a neck, while the race favourite Inner City Blues never found a clear run. The victory marked a much‑needed return to winning form for the Royal Ascot victor, and Cox was effusive in his post‑race comments: “We always believed in him; the question was whether he would cope with the quicker ground that comes at this time of year.
Sometimes the ground isn’t as fast, but I’m thrilled he displayed what we see in training. He’s special both in the mornings and afternoons, tough and very talented. It was a huge team effort to get him here, and I’m over the moon.” Cox continued, praising Ryan’s ride: “Rossa handled the dip perfectly and then let him sail.
It was a superb ride – Rossa knows exactly what he’s doing and what the horse is up against.” This win gave Cox his third Middle Park triumph, joining the likes of Reckless Abandon (2012) and Supremacy (2020), both also owned by Jason Goddard. With Orthodox clearly destined for sprinting duties—Cox’s forte—the colt was quoted at 12‑1 by Ladbrokes and Coral for next year’s Commonwealth Cup at the Royal Meeting. Looking ahead, connections are already weighing a possible trip to the United States for the Breeders’ Cup. Cox added, “I’d be excited to see him there.
His family has a strong record – his aunt won the Queen Mary for us (Heartache). He can handle five or six furlongs, and today he proved he can stay six.
He has the turn of foot to win over five at Ascot and is a genuinely talented sprinter. A Breeders’ Cup run is on the table; we’ll discuss it with Jason after we enjoy today’s success.” In other news, Haffner shed a disappointing showing in the National Stakes and rebounded with a decisive win in the Tattersalls Online Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket. The Charlie Appleby‑trained duo Quest For Stars and First Law contested the early lead, with First Law racing keenly on the far side of the course alongside Iwasjustsaying.
Aidan O’Brien’s Haffner made his move a furlong and a half from the finish, pulling away from the field as First Law and Quest For Stars could not match his acceleration. The well‑backed 7‑4 favourite secured victory by one and a quarter lengths, delivering O’Brien his record eighth Royal Lodge win and giving Ryan Moore his first in the race. Karl Burke’s Burning Up held on for second place, racing in the colours of last year’s winner Bow Echo. O’Brien praised the colt’s adaptability: “The ground softened at the Curragh on the last day, which didn’t suit him, but he’ll be a lovely middle‑distance horse next year—a French Derby type.
He’ll handle the Guineas distance easily, stay a mile and a quarter, and could even stretch further. He’s a beautiful mover; despite the soft ground we were confident he’d stay in control.
Ryan gave him a clean, uncomplicated ride – it was simple and effective.” He added, “His form is of a different class. The only blemish was the National Stakes, which we attribute to the ground. He’ll take a mile with ease.
He’s an Acomb winner, and his form is very strong.” Paddy Power have offered Haffner a 4‑1 price for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Keeneland next month, and O’Brien indicated that the United States could be the next destination for the talented son of Justify. “America is a real possibility – he’ll love the firm ground. The Breeders’ Cup round a bend would suit him, and the mile would be easy.
We’ll see what the owners decide,” O’Brien said. “The soft ground at the Curragh was a one‑off; today confirmed his true ability. He could target a Guineas next year before stepping up in distance.” Both trainers emphasized the importance of enjoying the present successes while keeping an eye on future campaigns, whether that means targeting prestigious sprint contests in the UK or testing the colt on the international stage in America. The racing community will be watching closely as these young stars continue to develop, with their connections balancing immediate goals against long‑term plans that could include classic distances, elite sprint series, and potential trips across the Atlantic for world‑class events.