3 minute read

Rock On Ruby made virtually every yard of the running to claim a cosy success in the Coral Hurdle at Ascot.

The 10-year-old, who won the 2012 Champion Hurdle, was sent off a 15-8 chance for the two-mile-three-furlong event having finished a distant second on his seasonal bow at Wetherby last month.

However, that outing had seemingly worked the oracle as Barry Geraghty was allowed to dictate in front before the race really began to heat up turning for home.

Favourite Brother Tedd, Court Minstrel, Sea Lord and Grumeti were all lined up to challenge, with the last-named appearing to be the biggest threat of them all.

However, he crashed through the last and lost valuable momentum, allowing Rock On Ruby to push on again for a two-and-a-half-length verdict over Court Minstrel, who proved best of the rest.

Trainer Harry Fry said: "They've let a Champion Hurdle winner dictate off a slow pace. Although we have been running him over these sort of trips and three miles last time out, he is still not a slow horse. Barry dictated it and he quickened when he needed.

"It shows how much difference the ground makes as that real soft ground at Wetherby he couldn't jump out of it, but today he jumped out of Barry's hands.

"Barry described him as terrier-like when the others came at him. Coming over the last, all he did was battle. He has been fantastic with us from the start.

"The Relkeel was the plan and I don't see it being any different. He likes Cheltenham so we will look forward to taking him back there. He has given them all weight today and I am thrilled to bits."

The victory was the highlight of trebles for both Fry and Geraghty.