Orthodox rebounded from his disappointing run in the Prix Morny to claim a prestigious victory at the Tattersalls Middle Park Stakes, held at Newmarket. The race, a key fixture in the British juvenile sprint calendar, offered the six‑year‑old colt his first opportunity to test himself against the very best of his generation over seven furlongs on the famed Rowley Mile. From the start, the pacemaker Force Noir surged to the front, dictating a brisk tempo that stretched the field early on. Rossa Ryan, aboard Orthodox, elected to settle his mount just behind the leader, allowing the horse to conserve energy while keeping a keen eye on the leaders.
By the three‑furlong marker, Ryan asked Orthodox for a touch of effort, feeling the colt respond with a clear burst of speed that hinted at his latent class. As the race progressed, the Clive Cox‑trained outsider, sent out at 7‑2 odds, stayed within striking distance of the front‑runners.
In the final furlong, a fierce duel unfolded between Orthodox and Force Noir, who had been backed heavily at long odds. The two colts raced side by side, each refusing to yield.
In the end, Orthodox edged his rival by a slender neck, while the pre‑race favorite Inner City Blues never managed to get into contention. The win marked a satisfying return to form for the Royal Ascot‑winner, and Cox could not hide his delight. "We always had confidence in him," he said. "The question was whether the ground would suit him – the quicker going this time of year was a bonus.
Sometimes the surface isn’t as fast, but I’m thrilled he has shown what we see at home. He’s special both in the mornings and the afternoons, tough, very able, and it was a big team effort to get him here. I’m over the moon." Cox praised jockey Rossa Ryan for his tactical acumen, noting how the rider guided the colt through the dip in the course before unleashing a powerful finish. "He coaxed him through the dip and then set sail after that.
It was a supreme ride, and I’m thrilled. Ryan knows exactly what he’s riding and what he’s up against," the trainer added. This victory represents the third Middle Park triumph for Cox, who previously won with Reckless Abandon in 2012 and Supremacy in 2020 – both horses owned by Jason Goddard, the same proprietor of Orthodox.
Looking ahead, Ladbrokes and Coral have offered a 12‑1 price on Orthodox for next year’s Commonwealth Cup at the Royal meeting, signalling that the colt’s future lies firmly in the sprint division where Cox has repeatedly excelled. Beyond the UK, Cox hinted at the possibility of a trans‑Atlantic campaign. "I would be hugely excited by this fellow. 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, but there’s no doubt he can stay six and he proved that today. He had the gear to win comfortably over five furlongs at Ascot and he’s a very talented sprinter and a joy to have. It’s a joy to have these horses and it means the world. He could go to the Breeders’ Cup and we’ll see how he comes back and discuss it with Jason.
It is a possibility, but we have to enjoy today first and then discuss the future over the next few days," Cox explained. In other news from Newmarket, Aidan O’Brien’s colt Haffner shed the disappointment of a lackluster National Stakes effort to dominate the Tattersalls Online Royal Lodge Stakes.
Trained by Charlie Appleby, the race featured a contested early pace between Quest For Stars and First Law, with Iwasjustsaying positioned on the far side of the course. Haffner, under the guidance of Ryan Moore, made his move a furlong and a half from the finish, pulling away decisively while his rivals faded.
The well‑backed 7‑4 favourite won by one and a quarter lengths, delivering O’Brien his record eighth Royal Lodge victory and giving Moore his first in the race. Karl Burke’s Burning Up held on for second place, representing the colours of last year’s winner Bow Echo. O’Brien praised the colt’s adaptability, noting that softer ground at the Curragh had hampered his performance in the National Stakes.
"He’s going to be a lovely middle‑distance horse next year, a French Derby type. He’ll get the Guineas trip on his ear, will stay a mile and a quarter and could even go further.
He’s a good mover, and we were happy to draw a line through the soft ground. Ryan gave him a beautiful, uncomplicated ride – it was very simple really," the trainer said.
O’Brien also hinted at an American target for Haffner, with Paddy Power offering 4‑1 odds for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Keeneland. "America is very possible next, where he will get nice ground. He would love the Breeders’ Cup round a bend and the mile would be very easy for him, so we’ll see what the lads want to do. The last day was a blip, but we had to come here today to make sure we knew exactly that it was and he’s back on track.
He could start in a Guineas next year and then we will see him stepping up in trip," O’Brien added. Both trainers emphasized the importance of enjoying each victory while keeping an eye on the long‑term plans for their promising juveniles. The British racing calendar remains packed with opportunities, and the performances of Orthodox and Haffner suggest that the coming months will be filled with exciting developments as connections weigh domestic targets against the lure of prestigious international contests such as the Breeders’ Cup.