Orthodox recovered from his disappointing showing in the Prix Morny and proved his class at the highest level for the first time in the Tattersalls Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket. The race began with Force Noir taking the early lead, setting a brisk tempo at the front of the field. Rossa Ryan, however, soon challenged, urging the Norfolk Stakes winner Orthodox to give his best as they approached the three‑furlong marker. 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, who was offered at generous odds.

In a thrilling finish, Orthodox edged the rival by a neck, while the race favourite Inner City Blues never managed to get into contention. Cox expressed his delight at the result, saying, “We always believed in him; the question was whether he would handle the ground, which was quicker than usual for this time of year.

Sometimes the turf 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, tough and very capable. It was a huge team effort to get him here, and I’m over the moon.” He went on to praise jockey Rossa Ryan, adding, “He got the best out of the track, and Rossa was supreme in the way he guided him through the dip and then let him cruise. It was a masterful ride.

Rossa knows his horse inside out and knows exactly what he’s up against.” This victory marked Cox’s third Middle Park win, following successes with Reckless Abandon in 2012 and Supremacy in 2020, both owned by Jason Goddard, the same owner as Orthodox. Looking ahead, the colt’s future appears to be firmly planted in sprinting, a division where Cox has repeatedly excelled. Ladbrokes and Coral have already offered Orthodox 12‑1 odds for next year’s Commonwealth Cup at the Royal meeting.

Before that, connections are weighing a possible trip to the United States for the Breeders’ Cup. Cox commented, “I would be hugely excited about this horse. 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 handle six. He has the turn of foot to win comfortably over five at Ascot and is a very talented sprinter, a joy to have in the stable. "A trip to the Breeders’ Cup is on the table; we’ll see how he comes back and discuss it with Jason. It’s a possibility, but we need to enjoy today’s win first and then talk about the future over the next few days.” In other news, Haffner shed the disappointment of his National Stakes performance with a convincing 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 clear of the field while First Law and Quest For Stars could not keep up.

The well‑backed 7‑4 favourite won by one and a quarter lengths, giving O’Brien a record eighth Royal Lodge win and delivering Ryan Moore his first 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 softened at the Curragh on the last day, which didn’t suit him.

He’ll be a lovely middle‑distance horse next year, a potential French Derby type. He’ll stay a mile and a quarter and maybe even further, so I’m delighted. "He moves beautifully, and we didn’t expect the ground to be as soft as it was at the Curragh.

He was in control today; Ryan gave him a simple, elegant ride. His form is of a different class, the only blemish being the National Stakes, which was due to the ground.

He’ll handle a mile with ease. He’s an Acomb winner and his form is extremely strong.” Paddy Power have offered Haffner 4‑1 odds for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Keeneland next month, and O’Brien hinted that America 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; the last day was a blip, but today we confirmed 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 planning future campaigns. The spring season in Britain has produced several standout performances, with Orthodox and Haffner exemplifying the quality of the new generation of thoroughbreds. Their connections are now looking beyond the domestic circuit, eyeing prestigious international events that could further enhance their reputations. Fans can stay updated with the latest racing news, interviews, and features on their mobile devices, ensuring they never miss a story from the world of horse racing.