Orthodox recovered admirably from his loss in the Prix Morny, proving his class at the highest level for the first time when he contested the Tattersalls Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket. The race unfolded with Force Noir taking the early lead, dictating a brisk tempo at the front of the field.
However, Rossa Ryan, aboard Orthodox, quickly asserted his intent, challenging the pace and urging the Norfolk Stakes winner into action as they approached the three‑furlong marker. The Clive Cox‑trained colt, sent off at odds of 7‑2, was driven hard all the way to the finish line by Robson De Aguiar’s Force Noir, who was offered a generous price by the bookmakers. In a nail‑biting finish, Orthodox edged out his rival by a neck, while the race favourite, Inner City Blues, never managed to get a clear run. The victory marked a satisfying return to winning form for the horse that had previously impressed at Royal Ascot, 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, which is typical for this time of year. Sometimes the ground isn’t as fast, but I’m thrilled that he showed what we all see in training – he’s special both in the mornings and the afternoons.
He’s tough, very talented, and it was a massive team effort to get him here. I’m over the moon." He continued, praising jockey Rossa Ryan’s ride: "I think he got away with the track, and Rossa was supreme – the way he guided him through the dip and then let him unleash his turn of foot was brilliant. It was a masterful ride, and I’m thrilled.
Rossa knows exactly what he’s doing in the mornings and how to handle the horse in the afternoons as well." This win gave Cox his third Middle Park victory, joining the likes of Reckless Abandon (2012) and Supremacy (2020), both of which, like Orthodox, were owned by Jason Goddard. Looking ahead, Orthodox’s future appears firmly rooted in sprinting, a division where Cox has consistently excelled. Ladbrokes and Coral have already offered him 12‑1 odds for next year’s Commonwealth Cup at the Royal meeting, indicating that his connections are already planning his next target.
Before turning his attention to the Commonwealth Cup, the team will consider a trip across the Atlantic to contest the Breeders’ Cup. Cox expressed genuine excitement about the prospect: "I would be hugely excited by this fellow.
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, but there’s no doubt he can stay six, and today he proved it." He added, "He had the gear to win comfortably over five furlongs at Ascot, and he’s a very talented sprinter – a joy to have in the stable.
It would be a thrill to send him to the Breeders’ Cup, see how he returns, and discuss the options with Jason. It’s a possibility, but we’ll enjoy today’s success first and then map out the future over the next few days." In other racing news, Haffner left a disappointing run in the National Stakes firmly behind him 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, with First Law racing keenly 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 win and providing Ryan Moore with 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 performance: "The ground softened at the Curragh on the last day, which didn’t suit him, but today he showed he’ll be a lovely middle‑distance horse next year – a potential French Derby contender.
He’ll stay a mile and a quarter and could even go further. I’m delighted." He continued, "He moves beautifully, and we didn’t expect the ground to be as soft as it was at the Curragh.
He was in control throughout, and Ryan gave him a simple, uncomplicated ride. His form is of a different class; the only blemish was the National Stakes, which we attribute to the unsuitable ground. He’ll take the mile easily.
He’s an Acomb winner, and his form is incredibly strong." Paddy Power have 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 his next destination. "America is a very possible target where he’ll get nice ground. He’d love the Breeders’ Cup round a bend, and a mile would be very easy for him.
We’ll see what the lads want to do," O’Brien said. He added, "America has always been an option, and the last day’s soft ground was just a blip. Today confirmed his ability, 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 each victory while carefully planning the horses’ future campaigns.
Their comments underscore the delicate balance between ambition and patience in top‑level racing, where a single race can shape a horse’s trajectory for years to come. The racing community will be watching closely as Orthodox and Haffner continue to develop, with potential trips to the Breeders’ Cup and classic targets on the horizon. Stay up to date with the latest horse racing news, interviews, and feature stories on your mobile device, and never miss a moment of the action.