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 charge early, setting a brisk tempo at the front of the field. Rossa Ryan, aboard Orthodox, made an early move, challenging the pace and urging the Norfolk Stakes winner at the three‑furlong point.

The Clive Cox‑trained colt, sent off at 7‑2, was driven hard all the way to the finish line by Robson De Aguiar's Force Noir, who was offered at 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," he said. "The question was whether he would cope with the firmer ground this time of year.

Sometimes the going isn’t as quick, but I’m thrilled he showed the ability we see at home. He’s special both in the mornings and the afternoons – tough, versatile, and a real team effort got him here.

I’m over the moon." Cox praised jockey Rossa Ryan for his superb ride, noting how the rider guided Orthodox through the dip and then let him unleash his turn of foot. "Rossa was supreme – he coaxed the horse through the dip and then set sail.

It was a masterful ride," Cox added. "Rossa knows exactly what he’s doing in the mornings and the afternoons, and he got the most out of the horse today." This win gave Cox his third Middle Park victory, following successes with Reckless Abandon in 2012 and Supremacy in 2020, both owned by Jason Goddard, the same owner as Orthodox.

Looking ahead, Ladbrokes and Coral have offered Orthodox a 12‑1 price for next year’s Commonwealth Cup at the Royal meeting, indicating that his future lies firmly in the sprint division where Cox excels. Before setting his sights on the Commonwealth Cup, connections are also weighing a possible trip to the United States for the Breeders’ Cup. Cox expressed enthusiasm about the prospect, saying, "I would be hugely excited by this fellow.

I know his family well – his aunt won the Queen Mary for us (Heartache). He’s got the ability to race over five or six furlongs, and today he proved he can handle six. He had the gears to win comfortably over five at Ascot and is a very talented sprinter.

It would be a joy to see him at the Breeders’ Cup; we’ll discuss it with Jason after we enjoy today’s success." In other news, Haffner rebounded from a disappointing run 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 victory in the race. Karl Burke’s Burning Up finished second, representing the colours of last year’s winner Bow Echo.

O’Brien praised the colt’s adaptability, noting that soft ground at the Curragh had hindered his performance in the National Stakes. "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," O’Brien said.

"He’s a good mover; the soft ground didn’t suit him, but today he was in control. Ryan gave him a beautiful, uncomplicated ride – it was very simple, really." The trainer added that Haffner’s form is of a different class, with the only blemish being the soft‑going National Stakes.

"We knew the ground was the issue, and he’ll take a mile very easily. He’s an Acomb winner and his form is incredibly strong," O’Brien explained. Paddy Power have offered Haffner a 4‑1 price 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 talented son of Justify. "America is a very possible next step where he’ll get nice ground.

He’d love the Breeders’ Cup round a bend, and a mile would be easy for him. We’ll see what the lads want to do," O’Brien said. "America has always been an option; the soft ground at the Curragh was a blip, but today we confirmed his ability. He could start in a Guineas next year and then step up in trip." Both trainers emphasized the importance of enjoying the present successes before planning future campaigns.

Cox and O’Brien highlighted the collaborative effort of their teams, the strategic placement of their horses, and the excitement surrounding potential international targets. For racing enthusiasts, staying updated with the latest news, interviews, and features is essential.

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