Ruby 14/1 to make history

Rock On Ruby has been cut to a best priced 14-1 to become the first Champion Hurdle winner in over 50 years to also land the Ladbroke World Hurdle after giving favourite Vaniteux weight and a comprehensive beating at Cheltenham on Thursday.

It is a feat that has only been achieved twice, by Clair Soleil who won the Champion Hurdle in 1955 and the Spa Hurdle in 1959 and Merry Deal won followed his 1957 win in the two-miler with victory in the 1962 stayers contest.

Now ten, Rock On Ruby added his name to the Champion Hurdle roll of honour in 2012 and his trainer Harry Fry confirmed an attempt at history was on the cards. “We’ll have to enter him for the World Hurdle,” he said.