Orthodox quickly put his recent loss in the Prix Morny behind him, stepping up to contest the prestigious Tattersalls Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket and delivering a performance that confirmed his status among the elite two‑year‑olds. The race unfolded with Force Noir taking charge early, dictating a brisk tempo from the front of the field. As the horses approached the three‑furlong point, Rossa Ryan, aboard the Norfolk Stakes winner, eased his mount forward, challenging Orthodox and demanding a genuine effort.
Clive Cox’s colt, sent out at 7‑2, was forced to race hard all the way to the finish line, where he was pitted against Robson De Aguiar’s Force Noir, a horse that had started at very generous 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 victory marked a much‑needed return to winning ways for the Royal Ascot scorer, and Cox could not hide his delight. "We always believed in him," Cox said after the race.
"The question was whether he would handle the quicker ground we saw today. Sometimes the going isn’t as fast, but I’m thrilled he has shown the talent we see in training.
He’s a special horse both in the mornings and the afternoons – tough, highly capable, and the result of a great team effort. I’m over the moon." He continued, praising Ryan’s ride: "Rossa navigated the dip perfectly and then let him sail. It was a superb ride, and I think Ryan knows exactly what he’s doing in the mornings, which helped a lot today." This win gave Cox his third Middle Park triumph, joining the likes of Reckless Abandon (2012) and Supremacy (2020), both of which were also owned by Jason Goddard.
With Orthodox now firmly established as a top‑class sprinter, Ladbrokes and Coral have already placed him at 12‑1 for next year’s Commonwealth Cup at the Royal Meeting. However, his connections are already looking beyond the British season. Cox hinted at a possible transatlantic adventure: "I’d be hugely excited to send him to the Breeders’ Cup.
I know his family well – his aunt won the Queen Mary for us (Heartache). He can handle five or six furlongs, but today proved he can stay six. He has the turn of foot to win over five at Ascot and is a genuinely talented sprinter.
It would be a joy to see him in the Breeders’ Cup, but we’ll enjoy today first and discuss the future in the coming days." In other racing news, Aidan O’Brien’s Haffner rebounded from a disappointing run in the National Stakes with a decisive victory in the Tattersalls Online Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket. The race featured a duel between Charlie Appleby’s Quest For Stars and First Law, with First Law pulling ahead on the far side of the course. O’Brien’s colt made his move a furlong and a half out, accelerating away from the field while the two Appleby runners could not match his speed. Haffner, well‑backed at 7‑4, won by one and a quarter lengths, giving O’Brien a record eighth Royal Lodge win and providing Ryan Moore with his first success in the event.
Karl Burke’s Burning Up finished second, representing the colours of last year’s winner Bow Echo. Speaking after the race, O’Brien praised his young horse’s adaptability: "The ground turned soft at the Curragh the previous day, which didn’t suit him. He’ll be a lovely middle‑distance horse next year – think French Derby type – and the Guineas distance will be right for him. He’ll stay a mile and a quarter and could even go further.
He moves beautifully, and despite the soft ground at the Curragh, he was in control today. Ryan gave him a clean, uncomplicated ride – it was simple, really." He added that Haffner’s only blemish was the soft ground in the National Stakes, noting that the colt would handle a mile with ease and could be aimed at the Guineas next season. Paddy Power have already made him a 4‑1 contender for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Keeneland, and O’Brien confirmed that a trip to America is a realistic option.
"America is very possible – the ground will be nice there, and the Breeders’ Cup mile would be easy for him. We’ll see what the lads decide," he said. "The soft ground was a blip; today proved he’s back on track.
He could start in a Guineas next year and then step up in trip." Both trainers highlighted the importance of keeping their horses happy and healthy while targeting the most suitable races for their development. Cox emphasized the value of a supportive team: "It’s a joy to have these horses; they mean the world to us. We’ll enjoy today’s win, then plan the next steps, whether that’s the Commonwealth Cup, the Breeders’ Cup, or another target that suits his profile." Overall, the weekend showcased the depth of talent among the new generation of thoroughbreds, with Orthodox and Haffner each overcoming setbacks to claim Group victories.
Their connections are now looking ahead to a busy autumn schedule that could see both horses travel internationally, test new distances, and continue to add to their impressive résumés. Fans can stay updated with the latest racing news, interviews, and features via Sky Sports Racing and other dedicated platforms, ensuring they never miss a story from the world of horse racing.