Rhythm Stick got us off to a good start for 2011 by landing his third consecutive win at Wolverhampton on Monday.

Sent off favourite under Franny Norton, he was made to work harder for victory this time but battled on strongly down the straight for a brave half-length win. It was the first time his co-breeder Louise Parry had been there to watch him run and we were all delighted that he was able to keep up his winning streak.

Rhythm Stick's dam Forever Loved stayed well and won four races at up to 1m7f. Her son's relaxed running style coupled with the way he finishes his races so strongly give us every reason to believe he too will be successful over longer trips in the future. His success goes some way to making up for the fact that his trainer ended up eating dirt when riding him out last Sunday. It's the first time John's fallen off in years and he was somewhat shame-faced that he should take a soft tumble from the horse who is the quietest ride in the yard after Ex Con.