Orthodox rebounded from his loss in the Prix Morny to claim a prestigious Group 1 victory at Newmarket in the Tattersalls Middle Park Stakes, marking his first win at this elite level. The race unfolded with Force Noir taking charge early, establishing a brisk tempo that stretched the field.
As the early fractions quickened, Rossa Ryan, aboard Orthodox, moved his mount forward, challenging the leader at the three‑furlong point and forcing the Norfolk Stakes champion to respond. The Clive Cox‑trained colt entered the finish as a 7‑2 contender and was engaged in a fierce duel with Robson De Aguiar’s Force Noir. In the final furlong the two horses were neck and neck, but Orthodox managed to edge ahead by a slender neck, while the race favourite, Inner City Blues, never found a rhythm and faded well behind the leaders. Cox expressed his delight at the result, emphasizing the confidence his team had always placed in the young horse.
"We always believed in him," he said, "the question was whether he would handle the quicker ground that we see at this time of year. Sometimes the ground isn’t as fast, but today it suited him perfectly. He showed the talent we see in training – he’s special both in the mornings and the afternoons, tough and highly capable. It was a massive team effort and I’m over the moon." He also praised jockey Rossa Ryan, noting the rider’s skill in navigating the dip and then launching the colt into a decisive finish.
"Rossa’s ride was supreme," Cox added. "He knows exactly how to get the best out of Orthodox and he executed the plan flawlessly." This victory marked Cox’s third Middle Park win, following successes with Reckless Abandon in 2012 and Supremacy in 2020, both of which, like Orthodox, were owned by Jason Goddard.
Looking ahead, Ladbrokes and Coral have offered Orthodox odds of 12‑1 for next year’s Commonwealth Cup at the Royal Meeting, signalling that his connections are already contemplating future targets. Beyond the British season, there is talk of a transatlantic campaign. Cox hinted that a trip to the United States for the Breeders’ Cup could be on the agenda.
"I would be hugely excited about this fellow," he said. "His family line is strong – his aunt won the Queen Mary for us (Heartache). He can handle five or six furlongs, and today he proved he can stay the six. He has the gear to win over five at Ascot and is a genuinely talented sprinter.
A Breeders’ Cup run is possible; we’ll discuss it with Jason after we enjoy today’s success and then plan over the next few days." In other news, Aidan O’Brien’s colt Haffner rebounded from a disappointing National Stakes run to dominate the Tattersalls Online Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket. Trained by Charlie Appleby, the race featured an early contest between Quest For Stars and First Law, with the latter pulling ahead on the far side of the course. Haffner, under jockey Ryan Moore, made his move with a furlong and a half to go, pulling away from the field as First Law and Quest For Stars could not match his acceleration. The well‑backed 7‑4 favourite won by one and a quarter lengths, giving O’Brien his record eighth Royal Lodge victory and delivering Ryan Moore his inaugural win in the race.
Karl Burke’s Burning Up finished second, representing the colours of last year’s winner Bow Echo. O’Brien praised Haffner’s adaptability, noting that softer ground at the Curragh had hindered his performance there.
"He’ll be a lovely middle‑distance horse next year – a French Derby type. He’ll handle the Guineas distance, can stay a mile and a quarter, maybe even further. He’s a beautiful mover, and despite the soft ground at the Curragh, he was in control today. Ryan gave him a simple, uncomplicated ride, and his form is of a different class.
The only blemish was the National Stakes, which we attribute to the ground," the trainer explained. Paddy Power have offered Haffner 4‑1 odds for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Keeneland next month, and O’Brien indicated that a transatlantic venture is a realistic option for the talented son of Justify. "America is very possible – he’ll love the nice ground there. The Breeders’ Cup mile would be easy for him.
We’ll see what the connections decide," O’Brien said. He added that a classic campaign could be on the horizon, with a potential Guineas start next season before stepping up in distance. Both trainers highlighted the importance of keeping the horses happy and healthy while planning their future campaigns, emphasizing that immediate success must be balanced with long‑term development. The victories of Orthodox and Haffner illustrate how careful placement, patient training, and strategic race selection can transform a horse’s fortunes, turning setbacks into springboards for future glory.