Orthodox rebounded from his loss in the Prix Morny to claim a Group One victory for the first time in the Tattersalls Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket, confirming his status as a top‑class juvenile sprinter. The race unfolded with Force Noir taking the early lead, dictating a brisk tempo that kept the field on the edge of the track. Rossa Ryan, aboard Orthodox, made an early move, positioning his mount close to the pace and asking for a response at the three‑furlong marker. The Clive Cox‑trained colt, sent off at 7‑2, was pressed all the way to the finish line by Force Noir, who was backed heavily by Robson De Aguiar's connections.
In a thrilling finish, Orthodox edged his rival by a neck, while the race favourite, Inner City Blues, never managed to get into contention. The win marked a satisfying return to form for the Royal Ascot winner and prompted Cox to praise his horse’s versatility and temperament. "We always had confidence in him," Cox said.
"The question was whether he would handle the quicker ground typical of this time of year. Sometimes the ground isn’t as fast, but I’m delighted 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 huge team effort to get him here.
I’m over the moon." Cox also lauded Ryan’s riding, noting how the jockey guided Orthodox through the dip and then allowed him to unleash his finishing kick. "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 knows exactly what he’s riding and what he’s up against," the trainer added.
This victory represented Cox’s third Middle Park win, following successes with Reckless Abandon in 2012 and Supremacy in 2020, both owned by Jason Goddard, who also owns Orthodox. Looking ahead, Ladbrokes and Coral have offered the colt odds of 12‑1 for next year’s Commonwealth Cup at the Royal meeting, although Cox hinted that a trip to the United States for the Breeders’ Cup could be on the agenda.
"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 has the gear to win at Ascot and is a very talented sprinter, a joy to have," Cox explained. "A Breeders’ Cup trip is a possibility; we’ll discuss it with Jason after we enjoy today’s win." In related news, Haffner erased 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 contest for the early lead between Quest For Stars and First Law, with the latter pulling clear in the final stages.
Aidan O'Brien’s Haffner, who had been held back early, surged forward a furlong and a half from the finish and opened up a comfortable gap, eventually winning by one and a quarter lengths. This gave O'Brien a record eighth Royal Lodge win and marked Ryan Moore’s first success in the race. Karl Burke’s Burning Up finished second, representing the colours of last year’s winner Bow Echo. O'Brien praised Haffner’s adaptability, noting that soft ground at the Curragh had hindered his performance in the National Stakes.
"He’s going to 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, and despite the soft ground at the Curragh, today he was in control.
Ryan gave him a beautiful, uncomplicated ride," the trainer said. He added that the colt’s only blemish was the soft‑going race, and that his form remains of a very high class.
Paddy Power have offered Haffner a 4‑1 price for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Keeneland, and O'Brien indicated that an American campaign could be the next step for the 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," O'Brien explained. He also hinted at a possible Guineas start next season before stretching out in distance.
Both trainers emphasized the importance of enjoying the present victories while planning for future targets. Cox and O'Brien underscored the collaborative effort of their teams, the horses’ innate talent, and the strategic decisions that will shape the next chapters of Orthodox’s and Haffner’s careers. Fans can stay updated with the latest racing news, interviews, and features through Sky Sports Racing and other outlets, ensuring they never miss a story from the world of thoroughbred racing.