Orthodox recovered from his loss in the Prix Morny to claim a Group 1 triumph in the Tattersalls Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket, proving his class at the highest level for the first time. The race unfolded with Force Noir taking the early lead, setting a brisk tempo that kept the field on its toes. Rossa Ryan, aboard Orthodox, moved his charge forward early, challenging the pace and testing the Norfolk Stakes winner at the three‑furlong point. The Clive Cox‑trained colt, sent off at 7‑2, was pressed all the way to the finish line by Robson De Aguiar’s Force Noir, who started at long odds.
In a thrilling finish, Orthodox edged out his rival by a neck, while the race favourite, Inner City Blues, never managed to get into contention. The win marked a satisfying return to form for the Royal Ascot victor, and Cox was effusive in his post‑race interview. "We always believed in him," Cox said. "The question was whether he could handle the quicker ground this time of year.
Sometimes the ground isn’t as fast, but I’m delighted he showed what we see in training – he’s special both in the mornings and the afternoons. He’s tough, highly talented, and it was a massive team effort to get him here. I’m over the moon." He went on to praise Ryan’s ride, noting the jockey’s skill in navigating the dip and then launching Orthodox into a decisive run.
"Rossa was supreme," Cox added. "He knows exactly what he’s doing and what the horse is capable of.
It was a superb ride, and I’m thrilled with the result." This victory gave Cox his third Middle Park win, following successes with Reckless Abandon in 2012 and Supremacy in 2020, both owned by Jason Goddard, the same owner as Orthodox. Looking ahead, Ladbrokes and Coral have already offered 12‑1 odds for Orthodox in next year’s Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot, although the connections are also weighing a potential trip to the United States for the Breeders’ Cup. Cox expressed his excitement about the possibilities: "I’d be hugely excited about this horse.
I know his family well – his aunt won the Queen Mary for us (Heartache). He has the ability to race over five or six furlongs, and today he proved he can stay six. He had the turn of foot to win comfortably over five at Ascot, and he’s a truly talented sprinter – a joy to have in the stable." He added that a Breeders’ Cup campaign could be on the cards: "He could go to the Breeders’ Cup, and we’ll see how he comes back. We’ll discuss it with Jason.
It’s a possibility, but we need to enjoy today first and then plan the next few days." In other news, Aidan O’Brien’s Haffner rebounded from a disappointing National Stakes run to dominate the Tattersalls Online Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket. The Charlie Appleby‑trained pair, Quest For Stars and First Law, contested the early lead, with First Law racing prominently on the far side of the course alongside Iwasjustsaying. Haffner, the 7‑4 favourite, made his move a furlong and a half from home, pulling away from the field while his rivals could not match his acceleration.
He won by one and a quarter lengths, giving O’Brien a record eighth Royal Lodge victory and handing Ryan Moore his first win in the race. Karl Burke’s Burning Up finished second, representing the colours of last year’s winner, Bow Echo.
O’Brien praised the colt’s performance: "The ground was soft at the Curragh the previous day, which didn’t suit him. He’ll be a lovely middle‑distance horse next year, a potential French Derby contender. He’ll stay a mile and a quarter and maybe even further.
He’s a good mover, and despite the soft ground at the Curragh, today he was in control. Ryan gave him a beautiful, uncomplicated ride – it was very simple, really." He continued, "His form is of a different class.
The only blemish was the National Stakes, which we attribute to the ground. He’ll take the Guineas trip easily, and his pedigree is strong – an Acomb winner with a robust record." Paddy Power have offered Haffner 4‑1 odds for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Keeneland next month, and O’Brien indicated that a trip to America is a realistic target for the son of Justify. "America is very possible," he said. "He’ll love the nice ground there.
The Breeders’ Cup round a bend would suit him, and the mile would be easy. We’ll see what the lads want to do." O’Brien added that a Guineas campaign next season is also on the agenda, with the possibility of stepping up in distance later on. "America was always a possibility, and the soft ground at the Curragh was just a blip.
He’s back on track, and we’ll decide his next steps after this race," he concluded. Both trainers emphasized the importance of enjoying the present victories while carefully planning future campaigns, whether that involves classic middle‑distance targets in Europe or prestigious sprint and turf races across the Atlantic.