SAD to learn of the death of the outstanding Rubi Ball, winner of 16 races and well in excess of £1.5 million in his career. He was a multiple Grade 1 winner in France where his victories included the Prix Le Haye Jousselin in 2010 and 2011. After a stellar career over jumps in France he was sent to Willie Mullins and placed on both his starts, latterly when third to Bobs Worth and First Lieutenant in the Lexus Chase.

While he was a great advertisement for French breeding, his family is well-known outside that country also. His sire Network is also responsible for Sprinter Sacre and Rubi Light, to name just two other outstanding sons, while Rubi Ball’s grandam Lady Pat Pong was a half-sister to Rolling Ball. That son of Quart De Vin won the Sun Alliance Novices’ Chase in 1991 when trained by Martin Pipe but his career was interrupted by injury.