ROCK On Ruby is the sort of horse to delight true NH devotees and the former Champion Hurdle winner, now 10, was warmly applauded after proving too good for the 13/8 favourite Vaniteux in the Dornan Engineering Hurdle over two and a half miles plus at Cheltenham.

Rock On Ruby and Noel Fehily came to claim Cole Harden before the last and the 5/2 chance then kept on willingly to hold Vaniteux by two and half lengths. He was not stopping and may well stay the World Hurdle trip, with 14/1 the top offer. “We won’t know until we try but he won’t run in the Cleeve,’’ said trainer Harry Fry. “I’d rather bring him back here in March as a fresh horse.’’

Fry and Fehily had also won the opening novices’ hurdle with Thomas Brown (5/1), who looks an out-and-out galloper and will also be rested until returning for the Albert Bartlett.

GINGE FRANKS THE FRANKIE FORM

Nigel Twiston-Davies’ Splash Of Ginge still had the free-wheeling Niceonefrankie in his sights when coming down four from home at the last meeting. He gained handsome compensation in the valuable Grade 3 Betbright Best For Festival Betting Handicap Chase, beating the rejuvenated Hunt Ball by just over three lengths with Paddy Power winner Caid Du Berlais right behind.

Splash Of Ginge, formerly a very good hurdler, justified 9/2 favouritism and was well ridden by 7lb claimer James Bargary, who hit the front between the last two. Twiston-Davies currently favours a return to novice company with the JLT mentioned, though 33/1 is available.

Tom O’Brien is making the most of senior opportunities in Richard Johnson’s enforced absence and brought Philip Hobbs’ 4/1 shot Wishfull Dreaming home a narrow winner of the bumper from outsider Nutcracker Prince.