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.’’