Orthodox recovered from his loss in the Prix Morny to claim a top‑class victory in the Tattersalls Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket, marking his first win at the highest level. The race began with Force Noir taking the early lead, dictating a brisk tempo as he headed the field. Rossa Ryan, aboard Orthodox, soon made his move, challenging the leader at the three‑furlong point and asking the Norfolk Stakes winner to produce a genuine effort. 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 offered very generous odds.
In the end, Orthodox edged his rival by a neck, while the race favourite, Inner City Blues, never managed to get into contention. The win was a much‑needed return to form for the Royal Ascot‑winning colt, and Cox could not hide his delight. He said, "We always had confidence in him and it was always a question of would he handle the track with the quicker ground a bonus for this time of year.
Sometimes it is not as quick as this and I'm just thrilled he has shown what we all see at home, as he is pretty special in the mornings and he's special in the afternoons as well. He's tough and very able and it was a big team effort to get him here and I'm over the moon." Cox also praised Ryan’s ride, adding, "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. I thought 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 triumph marked the third Middle Park victory for Cox, who previously guided Reckless Abandon in 2012 and Supremacy in 2020 – both horses also owned by Jason Goddard.
With Orthodox now firmly established as a sprinter, Ladbrokes and Coral have offered him 12‑1 odds 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 weeks.
Cox continued, "I would be hugely excited by this fellow. I know his family really well and his aunt won the Queen Mary for us (Heartache). I think he's blessed with the ability to race over five furlongs or six, but I don't think there can be any doubt he gets six and he proved that today.
He had the gears to win well over five furlongs at Ascot and he's a very talented sprinter and a joy to have. 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." The Middle Park win was part of a broader day of racing news. Later, Haffner, who had disappointed in the National Stakes, turned his fortunes around with a decisive victory in the Tattersalls Online Royal Lodge Stakes, also at Newmarket. Trained by Charlie Appleby, the race featured a duel between Quest For Stars and First Law for the early lead, with Iwasjustsaying positioned 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 while his rivals could not match his acceleration. The well‑backed 7‑4 favourite won by one and a quarter lengths, giving O’Brien his record eighth Royal Lodge win and providing Ryan Moore with his first victory 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, saying, "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, he's going to be a French Derby type horse.
He'll get the Guineas trip on his ear, will stay a mile and a quarter and could even get further, so I'm delighted. He's a good mover and we didn't think the ground was going 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 and he was always in control today. Ryan gave him a beautiful uncomplicated ride and it was very simple really. 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 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. 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," he added. These stories underscore the dynamic nature of flat racing, where a single performance can reshape a horse’s career trajectory and open doors to international campaigns. Both Orthodox and Haffner have demonstrated resilience after setbacks, and their trainers are now planning future targets that could see them compete on the world stage.
Fans can stay updated with the latest racing news, interviews, and features via Sky Sports Racing and other dedicated platforms.