Orthodox recovered admirably from his loss in the Prix Morny, showing his class for the first time at the highest level in the Tattersalls Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket. The race began with Force Noir taking charge early, dictating a brisk tempo at the front of the field.
However, Rossa Ryan soon intervened, easing his mount’s early effort and challenging the Norfolk Stakes victor, Orthodox, as they approached the three‑furlong point. The Clive Cox‑trained colt, sent out at 7‑2, was pressed all the way to the finish line by Robson De Aguiar’s Force Noir, who started at long odds. In a thrilling finish, Orthodox edged his rival by a neck, while the race favourite, Inner City Blues, never managed to get into contention.
The victory marked a welcome return to winning form for the Royal Ascot scorer, and Cox could not hide his delight. “We always believed in him,” he said. “The question was whether he would handle the quicker ground that comes at this time of year.
Sometimes the ground 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. He’s tough, very capable, and it was a massive team effort to get him here. I’m over the moon.” Cox praised jockey Rossa Ryan’s ride, adding, “He got the best out of the track, navigated the dip perfectly and then let the horse sail.
It was a superb ride. Rossa knows his horse inside out, both in the mornings and the afternoons, and he knows exactly what he’s up against.” This win gave Cox his third Middle Park triumph, joining the ranks of owners who have previously celebrated victories with Reckless Abandon (2012) and Supremacy (2020), both owned by Jason Goddard, the same proprietor of Orthodox. Looking ahead, Cox noted that Orthodox’s future clearly lies in sprint races, a division where the trainer consistently excels.
Ladbrokes and Coral have already offered odds of 12‑1 for the colt’s participation in next year’s Commonwealth Cup at the Royal meeting. Before that, the connections are contemplating a transatlantic campaign to the Breeders’ Cup, a prospect that could further enhance the horse’s reputation. “I would be hugely excited about this fellow,” Cox continued. “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, and today he proved he can stay six. He has the turn of foot to win comfortably over five at Ascot, and he’s a truly talented sprinter – a joy to have in the stable.” He added, “A trip to the Breeders’ Cup is certainly on the table. We’ll see how he comes back and discuss it with Jason.
It’s a possibility, but first we need to enjoy today’s success and then plan the next steps over the coming days.” In related news, Haffner rebounded from a disappointing showing in the National Stakes with a decisive victory in the Tattersalls Online Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket. Trained by Charlie Appleby, the race featured a duel between Quest For Stars and First Law for the early lead, while Iwasjustsaying raced on the far side of the course. Aidan O’Brien’s Haffner made his move a furlong and a half from the finish, 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 a record eighth Royal Lodge win and delivering Ryan Moore his first success 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 performance, stating, “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 – a potential French Derby contender. He’ll handle the Guineas distance easily, can stay a mile and a quarter and maybe even further. I’m delighted.” He continued, “He moves beautifully, and despite the softer ground at the Curragh, he stayed in control today.
Ryan gave him a clean, uncomplicated ride – it was simple but effective.” Reflecting on Haffner’s form, O’Brien added, “His only blemish was the National Stakes, which we attribute to the ground. He’ll take a mile with ease.
He’s an Acomb winner and his form is exceptionally strong.” Paddy Power have offered Haffner a 4‑1 price for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Keeneland next month, and O’Brien hinted that America could be the next destination for the talented son of Justify. “America is very possible, where he’ll get nice ground. He’d love the Breeders’ Cup round a bend, and the mile would be easy for him. We’ll see what the lads decide,” O’Brien said.
“America has always been an option; the soft ground at the Curragh was a one‑off. He’s back on track, and we may target a Guineas next year before stepping up in distance.” These developments underline the dynamic nature of the flat racing season, where trainers, owners, and jockeys constantly evaluate form, ground conditions, and future targets. Both Orthodox and Haffner have demonstrated resilience and versatility, qualities that will serve them well as they potentially embark on international campaigns and aim for classic contests in the coming year.