Orthodox rebounded from his loss in the Prix Morny by stepping up to the highest class for the first time in the Tattersalls Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket, delivering a performance that reminded everyone of his true ability. The race began with Force Noir taking the early lead, dictating a brisk tempo as he headed the field.

Rossa Ryan, however, made an early move, challenging the pace and prompting the Norfolk Stakes winner Orthodox to respond at the three‑furlong point. The Clive Cox‑trained colt, sent off at 7‑2, was forced to endure a relentless duel with Robson De Aguiar’s Force Noir, who was priced at long odds. The two battled down the straight, and Orthodox ultimately edged his rival by a neck, while the race favourite Inner City Blues never managed to get a clear run.

The narrow victory marked a welcome return to winning ways for the horse that had previously shone at Royal Ascot. Cox was effusive in the post‑race interview. “We always believed in him,” he said.

“The question was whether he would handle the faster ground we see at this time of year. Sometimes the going isn’t as quick, but I’m thrilled he showed what we see in training – he’s special both in the mornings and the afternoons.

He’s tough, very capable, and it was a massive team effort to get him here. I’m over the moon.” He continued, praising Ryan’s ride: “Rossa got the horse away from the track, negotiated the dip superbly and then let him sail. It was a masterful ride. Rossa knows his horse inside out and knows exactly what he’s up against.” This victory was Cox’s third in the Middle Park, joining his earlier successes with Reckless Abandon in 2012 and Supremacy in 2020 – both owned by Jason Goddard, the same proprietor of Orthodox.

Looking ahead, Cox noted that the colt’s future clearly lies in sprinting, the division where Cox has built a reputation for excellence. Ladbrokes and Coral have already offered Orthodox 12‑1 odds for next year’s Commonwealth Cup at the Royal Meeting. Before targeting the Commonwealth Cup, the connections are considering a trip across the Atlantic to contest the Breeders’ Cup.

“I would be hugely excited about this fellow,” Cox said. “His family is well‑known to us – his aunt won the Queen Mary for us (Heartache).

He can race over five or six furlongs, but there’s no doubt he can handle six, as today proved.” He added, “He has the turn of foot to win comfortably over five furlongs at Ascot and is a genuinely talented sprinter – a joy to have in the stable. A Breeders’ Cup campaign is on the table; we’ll discuss it with Jason after we enjoy today’s success.” In other news, Aidan O’Brien’s Haffner erased a disappointing run in the National Stakes with a decisive win in 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 keenly on the far side of the course alongside Iwasjustsaying. Haffner, the well‑backed 7‑4 favourite, launched his challenge a furlong and a half from the finish, pulling clear of the field as First Law and Quest For Stars could not match his acceleration.

Haffner won by one and a quarter lengths, giving O’Brien a record eighth Royal Lodge victory and delivering 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 his colt’s adaptability: “The ground softened at the Curragh the previous day, which didn’t suit him.

He’ll be a lovely middle‑distance horse next season, a potential French Derby contender. He’ll stay a mile and a quarter and could even go further, so I’m delighted.” He continued, “He moves beautifully, and despite the unexpected soft ground at the Curragh, he stayed in control today. Ryan gave him a clean, uncomplicated ride – it was very simple.” He added that Haffner’s only blemish had been the soft ground in the National Stakes, and he expects the colt to take a mile with ease next year.

“He’s an Acomb winner, his form is strong, and we’re excited about his future.” Paddy Power have already offered Haffner 4‑1 odds for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Keeneland next month, and O’Brien hinted that the United States could be the next destination for the son of Justify. “America is a very real possibility – he’ll love the nice ground there. The Breeders’ Cup round a bend would suit him, and a mile would be easy.

We’ll see what the lads decide,” O’Brien said. He concluded, “America was always an option, and the soft ground at the Curragh was just a blip. Today confirmed his form, and he’s back on track. He could start in a Guineas next year and then step up in distance.” Both trainers emphasized the importance of enjoying the present successes before planning long‑term campaigns.

The victories of Orthodox and Haffner underscore the depth of talent in the current generation of thoroughbreds and set the stage for exciting international targets in the months ahead.