Another star hailing from Rhyds Stud, by Hasty Hall out of Tonda Star.

The Dam, Tonda Star (Albert Albert), has produced colts such as Rhyds Hallstar and Rhyds Five star – both 2yo and 3yo champions with the latter earning over £50,000.

Owned by Claire Fletcher, trained by Teresa Haythornthwaite and driven by James Haythornthwaite.
Lightly raced as a 2YO, the 2017 campaign started at York in a Maiden Pace. He made it to the front at the half pole and held off challenges from William ‘Rocker’ Laidler with Laneside Layla to take the win by one length.
At York again a fortnight later in a Maiden and Novice he trailed 10 yards, but this did not deter him and pilot James as they scored again this time by just a neck, from Coalford Earl in second and GDs Hazzard in third.
For Appleby Rock Star was not aimed at the 3YO races but entered for the Spring Sunday Handicap. He was draw one and favourite in the heat which went easily his way. In the Final he got up front early setting a good pace. During the final lap, Jack Swagger and Greentree Serenity passed Rock Star, but James dug in to keep hold of second behind Greentree Serenity, with Jack Swagger in third.
The first 3YO of his season was next in the Davy Jones Memorial 3YO at York. In the heat he finished third in 2.02.5 (later promoted to second after disqualification of first placed horse). In the Final they were drawn five and from the off never quite got up with the pace finishing eighth.
In July they aimed their sights at the Red John Memorial at Musselburgh. Here again they performed well in the Heat finishing just behind White Flame in second. In the Final, they trailed ten yards and finished in seventh place.
For the rest of the season solely 3YO races were targeted. In the NWHOA Championship at Tir Prince nine top class colts and geldings lined up including Springhill Glory, Rhyds Decoy, All Good Hanover and Rhyds Cocoa – all of which had finished ahead of Rock Star at York in June. This race though was over the extended distance of 1¼ mile, which obviously suited as victory was theirs in 2.31.7, three lengths ahead of No Brakes in second and All Good Hanover in third.
The Breeders Crown stakes series was just six days later where Rock Star and James put in a stellar performance in the heat finishing 11½ lengths clear in 2.00.6. In the Final, No Brakes, Rhyds Cocoa and Frankie Camden were amongst the field, but Rock Star was on form and thundered home in 1.59.9, three lengths clear of No Brakes.
A trip to Scotland for the Bells Field 3YO Championship added a fourth win to his recent success. There was no trouble for the team here as they finished an impressive 21¾ lengths ahead of Fools Delight in second and Ladyford Warrior in third.
The Tregaron Festival staged the Little Welsh Dragon in late August. With just five days between races, Rock Star qualified for the Final after finishing second in his heat behind Tarawood CJ. In the Final though he was defeated to fifth place with No Brakes taking the win.
Back at Tir Prince for the BHRC Sire Stakes, six colts and geldings declared including GDs Hazzard and No Brakes. Rock Star and James executed a grand run and reversed the fortunes from Tregaron to triumph 16 lengths ahead of No Brakes clocking a Lifetime Best of 1.58.7.
Sticking with North Wales, a small field of four colts declared for the Top Notch sponsored BHRC Derby – Coalford Earl, All Good Hanover, Rhyds Rock Star and No Brakes. The Derby as always was raced over the distance of 1½ miles which did not faze Rock Star who was victorious again over No Brakes by 14 lengths in 3.04.5.
His last outing of the season was an easy stroll around Wolverhampton where only two horses were confirmed for the LDP Demolition and Oakwood Stud sponsored 3YO. Rock Star was successfull in conquering Greenhilldebatable by five lengths to finish the season on a high with ten wins from 17 starts.

Nominated alongside No Brakes, Rhyds Rock Star gained the most votes to be awarded 3YO Colt of the Year 2017. The award will be presented at the BHRC & STAGBI Awards Event this coming weekend at the Mercure Haydock Hotel (WA11 9SG).