Orthodox recovered admirably from his disappointing run in the Prix Morny, stepping up to contest the prestigious Tattersalls Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket and delivering a performance that marked his first victory at the highest level. The race unfolded with Force Noir taking the early lead, establishing a brisk tempo at the front of the field. However, jockey Rossa Ryan, aboard the Norfolk Stakes winner, made an early move, challenging the pace and prompting Orthodox to respond as the field approached the three‑furlong marker. The Clive Cox‑trained colt, sent out at odds of 7‑2, was pressed all the way to the finish line by the fast‑finishing Force Noir, who was backed at generous odds.
In a thrilling finish, Orthodox edged his rival by a neck, while the race favourite Inner City Blues never found a clear run and faded from contention. The win was a much‑needed return to form for the horse that had previously shone at Royal Ascot, and Cox expressed his delight after the race. "We always had confidence in him," Cox said. "The question was whether he would handle the track with the quicker ground we had 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 both in the mornings and the afternoons. He’s tough, very capable, and it was a huge team effort to get him here.
I’m over the moon." He continued, praising Ryan’s ride: "I think he got away with the track and Rossa was supreme the way he coaxed him through the dip and then set sail after that. It was a supreme ride and I’m thrilled. Rossa is a regular in the mornings and knows exactly what he’s riding and what he’s up against as well." This victory marked the third time Cox has captured the Middle Park, joining his earlier successes with Reckless Abandon in 2012 and Supremacy in 2020, both of which, like Orthodox, were owned by Jason Goddard. Looking ahead, Orthodox’s connections have already begun to map out his future campaign.
Ladbrokes and Coral have offered him odds of 12‑1 for next year’s Commonwealth Cup at the Royal meeting, reflecting confidence that he will continue to excel in top‑class sprint contests. Beyond the British season, a potential trip to the United States for the Breeders’ Cup is also on the table.
Cox elaborated on the possibilities: "I would be hugely excited by this fellow. I know his family really well and his aunt won the Queen Mary for us (Heartache).
He’s blessed with the ability to race over five furlongs or six, but there’s no doubt he can stay six and he proved that today. He had the gear to win well over five furlongs at Ascot and he’s a very talented sprinter and a joy to have." He added, "It’s a joy to have these horses 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 is a possibility, but we have to enjoy today first and then discuss the future over the next few days." In related news, another promising youngster, Haffner, shed a lackluster performance in the National Stakes and rebounded with a convincing win 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 decisively as his rivals could not match his acceleration. The well‑backed 7‑4 favourite secured victory by one and a quarter lengths, delivering O’Brien his record eighth Royal Lodge win and giving jockey Ryan Moore his first triumph 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 adaptability: "The ground got soft at the Curragh the last day which didn’t suit 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, will stay a mile and a quarter and could even go further, so I’m delighted.
He’s a good mover and we didn’t think the ground would be as soft as it was at the Curragh. He’s a beautiful mover and we were happy to draw a line through that and he was always in control today.
Ryan gave him a beautiful uncomplicated ride and it was very simple really." He continued, "His form was different class really and his only blip was in the National Stakes. We knew that was because of the ground and we knew he would get the mile very easily. He’s an Acomb winner and his form is so strong." Paddy Power have already placed Haffner at 4‑1 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 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. 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 got back on track.
I think he could start in a Guineas next year and then we will see him stepping up in trip," O’Brien concluded. These developments underscore the dynamic nature of the juvenile season, where early setbacks can quickly give way to triumphs, and where connections are constantly balancing immediate targets with long‑term plans that may span continents. The excitement generated by horses like Orthodox and Haffner highlights the depth of talent in this generation and promises compelling storylines for the remainder of the year and beyond.