Orthodox rebounded from his loss in the Prix Morny to prove his class at the highest level, taking the Tattersalls Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket in a thrilling finish. The race began with Force Noir taking charge, establishing a brisk early tempo at the front of the field.
However, Rossa Ryan, aboard Orthodox, moved his mount forward early and began to challenge the leader as they approached the three‑furlong point. The Clive Cox‑trained colt, sent off at odds of 7‑2, was pressed all the way to the finish line by Robson De Aguiar’s Force Noir, who was backed at generous odds.
In the end, Orthodox edged the rival by a neck, while the race favourite, Inner City Blues, never managed to get into contention. The victory marked a much‑needed return to winning ways for the Royal Ascot‑victor, and Cox could not hide his delight. "We always believed in him," he said.
"The question was whether he would handle the ground, which is usually quicker at this time of year. Sometimes the going isn’t as fast, but I’m thrilled he showed what we see at home – he’s special both in the mornings and the afternoons.
He’s tough, highly talented, and the whole team worked hard to get him here. I’m over the moon." Cox praised jockey Rossa Ryan for his masterful ride, noting how Ryan navigated the dip in the track and then let Orthodox unleash his full acceleration. "Rossa rode superbly," Cox added.
"He knows his horse inside out, knows exactly what he’s riding and what he’s up against. It was a supreme ride." This triumph gave Cox his third Middle Park win, joining the likes of Reckless Abandon (2012) and Supremacy (2020), both owned by Jason Goddard, the same owner as Orthodox.
Looking ahead, Ladbrokes and Coral have offered the colt 12‑1 odds for next year’s Commonwealth Cup at the Royal Meeting, signalling that his future lies firmly in the sprint division where Cox excels. Before that, the connections are already mulling a trip across the Atlantic to contest the Breeders’ Cup.
"I would be hugely excited about this horse," Cox continued. "His family is well‑known to us – his aunt won the Queen Mary for us (Heartache). He’s capable over five or six furlongs, and today he proved he can handle six. He has the turn of foot to win comfortably over five at Ascot and is a very talented sprinter.
It’s a joy to have him." Cox added that a Breeders’ Cup campaign could be on the cards, but the priority is to savour the present victory and discuss future plans in the coming days. "He could go to the Breeders’ Cup, we’ll see how he comes back and talk to Jason.
It’s a possibility, but we have to enjoy today first and then sort out the future," he said. In related news, Haffner erased a disappointing run in the National Stakes with a dominant performance in the Tattersalls Online Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket. Trained by Charlie Appleby, the race featured a duel for the early lead between Quest For Stars and First Law, with the latter 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 while Quest For Stars and First Law could not keep up. The well‑backed 7‑4 favourite won by one and a quarter lengths, giving O’Brien a record eighth Royal Lodge victory and providing Ryan Moore with his first win in the race. Karl Burke’s Burning Up finished strongly to claim second place for the colours of last year’s winner, Bow Echo.
Speaking after the race, O’Brien highlighted the impact of the soft ground at the Curragh on Haffner’s previous form, but expressed confidence in the colt’s future over middle distances. "He’ll be a lovely middle‑distance horse next year, a French Derby type. He’ll stay a mile and a quarter and could even go further.
He’s a beautiful mover and handled today’s conditions perfectly. Ryan gave him a simple, uncomplicated ride and it was very straightforward," O’Brien explained.
He added that Haffner’s only blemish was the National Stakes, which was affected by unsuitable ground. "His form is top‑class, and his only dip was due to the ground. He’ll take the Guineas trip easily and could step up in distance later," O’Brien said. Paddy Power have placed Haffner at 4‑1 for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Keeneland next month, and O’Brien confirmed that a trip to America is a strong possibility.
"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. We’ll see what the lads want to do," O’Brien said. He also hinted that Haffner could target a Guineas next year before stepping up in trip.
Both Orthodox and Haffner have now demonstrated that they can overcome setbacks and perform at the highest level, providing their trainers and owners with exciting options for the remainder of the season and beyond. Their recent successes underscore the depth of talent in the current generation of thoroughbreds and set the stage for compelling storylines as they potentially head to international festivals such as the Breeders’ Cup.