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Haffner records straightforward Royal Lodge success

By Racing TV

Last Updated: Sat 26 Sep 2026

Haffner left a disappointing performance in the National Stakes firmly behind him with a clear-cut victory in the Tattersalls Online Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket.

The Charlie Appleby-trained pair of Quest For Stars and First Law disputed the early lead with latter racing keenly on the far side of the course in isolation with Iwasjustsaying.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained Haffner was the first to lay down his challenge a furlong and a half out and pulled clear of the field with First Law and Quest For Stars unable to go with him.

The well-backed 7-4 favourite went on to oblige by one and a quarter lengths to give O’Brien a record eighth Royal Lodge and Ryan Moore his first. Karl Burke’s Burning Up stayed on best of the rest for second in the colours of last year’s winner, Bow Echo.

O’Brien said: “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 make Haffner a 4-1 chance for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Keeneland next month and O’Brien indicated that could be the next destination for the talented son of Justify.

O’Brien added: “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.”

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