Orthodox rebounded from his loss in the Prix Morny with a striking performance at Newmarket’s Tattersalls Middle Park Stakes, marking his first foray at the very top level. The race unfolded with Force Noir taking charge early, dictating a brisk tempo as he led the field.
However, Rossa Ryan, aboard the Norfolk Stakes winner, made an early move, challenging Force Noir and urging Orthodox into action as the three‑furlong point approached. The Clive Cox‑trained colt, sent off at 7‑2, was forced to battle all the way to the finish line. In a nail‑biting conclusion, Orthodox edged past Robson De Aguiar’s Force Noir by a neck, despite the favourite Inner City Blues never truly getting involved. The narrow margin highlighted the high‑class nature of the contest and underscored Orthodox’s resilience after his earlier disappointment.
Cox was effusive in the post‑race interview, explaining that the team had always believed in the horse’s ability. "We always had confidence in him and it was simply a question of whether he would handle the faster ground this time of year.
Sometimes the going isn’t as quick, 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 able, and it was a massive team effort to bring him here.
I’m over the moon," he said. He praised jockey Rossa Ryan, noting the rider’s skill in navigating the dip and then unleashing the colt’s full potential.
"Rossa was supreme. The way he coaxed him through the dip and then let him sail was a masterclass. He knows exactly what he’s riding and what he’s up against," Cox added. This victory marked Cox’s third Middle Park win, joining the likes of Reckless Abandon (2012) and Supremacy (2020), both owned by Jason Goddard, the same owner as Orthodox.
Looking ahead, Ladbrokes and Coral have offered the colt 12‑1 odds for next year’s Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot, a race that aligns perfectly with his sprinting pedigree. The 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 has the ability to race over five or six furlongs, and today he proved he can stay six. He’s a talented sprinter and a joy to have. A Breeders’ Cup run is on the table; we’ll discuss it with Jason after we enjoy today’s success." In related news, Haffner put a disappointing National Stakes run behind him 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, while Iwasjustsaying raced on the far side. Aidan O’Brien’s Haffner broke clear 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 secured victory by one and a quarter lengths, delivering O’Brien his record eighth Royal Lodge win and giving Ryan Moore his first in the event.
Karl Burke’s Burning Up rounded out the placings, finishing second in the colours of last year’s winner Bow Echo. O’Brien praised the colt’s adaptability, noting that softer 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.
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. His form is a different class – the only blip was at the Curragh, and we know he’ll handle a mile easily.
He’s an Acomb winner and his form is very strong," the trainer explained. 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 the next destination for the son of Justify.
"America is very possible. He’ll get nice ground there, and the Breeders’ Cup mile would be easy for him. We’ll see what the lads want to do. The soft ground at the Curragh was a one‑off, and today confirmed his class.
He could start in a Guineas next year and then step up in distance," O’Brien added. Both trainers highlighted the importance of planning the colt’s future carefully, balancing immediate targets with long‑term ambitions. For Orthodox, the immediate focus will be on consolidating his Middle Park victory and preparing for the upcoming Royal Ascot sprint program, while keeping an eye on potential international campaigns.
For Haffner, the next steps involve assessing his suitability for the Breeders’ Cup and mapping out a classic season that could include the Guineas and longer trips. These developments underscore the dynamic nature of thoroughbred racing, where a single race can reshape a horse’s trajectory, open new opportunities, and cement a trainer’s reputation.
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