Rich Rhythm

Bethell, who trains out of Arnold in East Yorkshire and has sent out 18 winners already this season, speaks warmly about how consistent Rich Rhythm has been in 2025. He won at Chelmsford in April — his most recent victory, now 13 months ago — and has continued to run respectably since, including a second place that stands out as one of his best efforts in the yard's colours. That run came at Doncaster in late July on normal ground, where jockey Callum Rodriguez felt he would benefit from softer, wetter conditions underfoot. The irony is that this year has been unusually dry, denying him the ground that might have produced an even better result.

His record backs up the idea that conditions matter. On normal ground he has won 2 of 9 races — a 22% win rate, or roughly 1 in every 4 — which is comfortably his best surface. Most of his career has been spent at Class 5 level, the bread-and-butter tier of British racing, where he has won 2 of 21 races. That 10% win rate is modest, but it reflects the sheer volume of racing at that level rather than any lack of ability. His most regular partner has been Hector Crouch, who has ridden him in 6 races for 1 win together — a record that could easily improve if the ground comes in his favour.

Bethell is careful with him given his size, not running him too frequently, but Ayr is reportedly on the agenda in the coming weeks. A big horse, a preference for softer ground, and a course in Scotland that can offer both — if the autumn rain arrives, Rich Rhythm could yet give his trainer another winner to add to what has already been a productive season.