Orthodox recovered from his loss in the Prix Morny and proved his class at the highest level for the first time in the Tattersalls Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket. The race unfolded with Force Noir taking the early lead, dictating a brisk tempo as the field settled behind him. Rossa Ryan, aboard Orthodox, made an early move, challenging the pace and urging the Norfolk Stakes winner to give his best at the three‑furlong marker. The Clive Cox‑trained colt, sent off at 7‑2, was pressed all the way to the finish line by Robson De Aguiar’s Force Noir, which had started at long 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 was effusive in his praise. "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 I’m thrilled he showed what we see at home – he’s special in the mornings and the afternoons. He’s tough, very able, and it was a massive team effort to get him here. I’m over the moon." Cox continued, highlighting the role of jockey Rossa Ryan.
"I think he got the most out of the track, and Rossa was supreme – the way he guided him through the dip and then let him unleash his speed was a masterclass. Rossa knows exactly what he’s riding and what he’s up against, and his regular morning rides paid off 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 sprinter, Ladbrokes and Coral have offered him odds of 12‑1 for next year’s Commonwealth Cup at the Royal meeting. However, his connections are also weighing a possible trip to the United States for the Breeders’ Cup, a decision that will be discussed in the coming days.
"I would be hugely excited by this fellow," Cox added. "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 handle six. He had the gear to win comfortably over five furlongs at Ascot and he is a very talented sprinter – a joy to have in the stable." Looking ahead, Cox said, "It’s a joy to have horses like this, and it means the world. He could go to the Breeders’ Cup, and we’ll see how he comes back and discuss it with Jason. It’s a possibility, but we have to enjoy today first and then talk about the future over the next few days." In other news, Haffner shed a disappointing performance in the National Stakes and rebounded with a decisive win in the Tattersalls Online Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket.
Trained by Charlie Appleby, the race saw a duel between Quest For Stars and First Law for the early lead, with First Law racing prominently 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 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 victory and delivering Ryan Moore his first win 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, noting that the soft ground at the Curragh on the previous day had not suited him. "He’s going to be a lovely middle‑distance horse next year, a French Derby type. He’ll get the Guineas trip on his ear, stay a mile and a quarter and could even go further.
I’m delighted," the trainer said. He added, "He’s a good mover; we didn’t expect the ground to be as soft as it was at the Curragh. He’s a beautiful mover, and we were happy to draw a line through that – he was always in control today.
Ryan gave him a beautiful, uncomplicated ride; it was very simple, really." The trainer also reflected on Haffner’s form, calling it "different class" and attributing the only blemish – the National Stakes – to the unsuitable ground. "His form is so strong, he’s an Acomb winner, and we know he’ll handle a mile very easily," O’Brien said. Paddy Power have offered Haffner 4‑1 odds for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Keeneland next month, and O’Brien hinted that a trip to America could be on the agenda for the talented son of Justify. "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, so we’ll see what the lads want to do," O’Brien explained. He continued, "America was always a possibility and the last day was a blip, but we had to come here today to make sure we knew exactly that it was and he’s back on track.
I think he could start in a Guineas next year and then we will see him stepping up in trip." Both Orthodox and Haffner have now positioned themselves as leading prospects for the upcoming season, with their connections eager to map out campaigns that could include prestigious Group 1 contests in Europe and potential trips across the Atlantic. Their recent performances underscore the depth of talent in this generation and set the stage for an exciting autumn of racing, where the best of the British and Irish juveniles will test themselves against international rivals, potentially culminating in show‑downs at the Breeders’ Cup and the Royal Ascot meetings.
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