Orthodox rebounded from his disappointing run in the Prix Morny by stepping up to the highest level of competition for the first time in the Tattersalls Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket, delivering a performance that reminded everyone of his true class. The race unfolded with Force Noir taking charge early, setting a brisk tempo that saw him lead the field as they approached the three‑furlong point.
At that stage, Rossa Ryan, aboard Orthodox, began to apply pressure, challenging the early leader and asking the Norfolk Stakes winner to respond. The Clive Cox‑trained colt, sent off at 7‑2, was forced to the limit by a determined run from Robson De Aguiar’s Force Noir, which entered the finish at odds that reflected its outsider status. In a thrilling finish, Orthodox edged the rival by a neck, while the race favourite, Inner City Blues, never managed to get into contention. The victory marked a much‑needed return to winning ways for the Royal Ascot‑winner, and Cox was effusive in his post‑race interview.
"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," Cox said. He went on to praise the horse’s versatility, noting that Orthodox performs equally well in the mornings and afternoons, describing him as "tough and very able" and emphasizing the collective effort of the team that brought the colt to this point. "I’m over the moon," the trainer added.
Cox also lauded jockey Rossa Ryan’s ride, saying, "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 gave Cox his third Middle Park victory, joining the likes of Reckless Abandon (2012) and Supremacy (2020), both of which were also owned by Jason Goddard.
Looking ahead, Orthodox has already attracted attention for next season’s sprint targets. Ladbrokes and Coral have offered him odds of 12‑1 for the Commonwealth Cup at the Royal meeting, but Cox hinted that an overseas campaign could also be on the cards. "I would be hugely excited by this fellow. I know his family really well and his aunt won the Queen Mary for us (Heartache)," Cox explained.
He believes Orthodox possesses the flexibility to compete over five or six furlongs, and today’s performance proved his ability to stay the longer distance. "He had the gears to win well over five furlongs at Ascot and he’s a very talented sprinter and a joy to have," the trainer said. The possibility of a trip to the Breeders’ Cup in the United States is also being discussed.
Cox said, "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, Aidan O’Brien’s colt Haffner rebounded from a lackluster effort in the National Stakes by delivering a decisive victory in the Tattersalls Online Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket.
The race featured a duel between Charlie Appleby’s Quest For Stars and First Law for the early lead, with Iwasjustsaying trailing on the far side of the course. Haffner, trained by O’Brien, 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 a record eighth Royal Lodge win and marking 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 softer ground at the Curragh had previously hampered his performance. "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 get further, so I’m delighted," the trainer said. He added that Haffner’s form was of a different class, with the only blemish being the National Stakes, which he attributed to the unsuitable ground.
"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," O’Brien continued. Paddy Power have already offered Haffner 4‑1 odds for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Keeneland next month, and O’Brien indicated that a transatlantic campaign could be in the offing 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," O’Brien said. He also hinted at a potential Guineas start next year before stepping the colt up in distance. Both Orthodox and Haffner have demonstrated that setbacks can be temporary, and their connections are now looking beyond the immediate victories to future targets that could cement their status among the elite of the sport. With the Middle Park win, Orthodox has firmly re‑established himself as a top‑class sprinter, while Haffner’s Royal Lodge triumph suggests he may become a leading middle‑distance contender.
The coming months will likely see discussions about international campaigns, especially the allure of the Breeders’ Cup, as owners and trainers weigh the benefits of testing their horses against the world’s best. Fans can stay updated with the latest racing news, interviews and feature stories on their mobile devices, ensuring they never miss a beat in the fast‑moving world of thoroughbred racing.