ASCOT racegoers were treated to a tasty Fry up on Saturday, writes Dave Wright.

In-form trainer Harry Fry saddled three winners and a runner-up on the seven-race card.

"It was our first treble at one course though we did enjoy a cross the card treble in January," he said.

Fry was particularly delighted to see his stable star, Rock On Ruby win the Coral Hurdle.

" Days like this don't come along too often and there were lively scenes of celebration as the owners cheered him back into the winner's enclosure.

"He has been the flagship for us from Day One and looked as good as ever as he sped clear of his rivals. At the last flight four horses were breathing down his neck, yet a hundred yards later he was stretching clear for another brilliant success."

Rock On Ruby was ridden by Barry Geraghty, who had started the afternoon with a comfortable success on American in the Mitie Events & Leisure Novices' Hurdle.

American is owned by The Jago Family Partnership and they were celebrating again when Desert Queen won the third race on the card, the Trisoft Mares' Handicap Hurdle after leading all the way.

Dorset-based Fry commented: "She blew her chance at Wincanton a fortnight ago by boiling over at the start before tearing off at a breakneck pace and kicking her hurdles out of the way. This time, equipped with ear plugs, she behaved much better ridden by our amateur Michael Legg who had previously won two point-to-points on her."

Fry, who also had a winner at Ascot on Friday with Thomas Brown, just failed to complete a Saturday four-timer when the debut-making Bags Groove finished second in the bumper race which closed the card.

He led into the final furlong before being caught close home by the more experienced Criq Rock, the favourite trained by Alan King and ridden by Wayne Hutchinson.

Vautour won the Grade 2 Stella Artois 1965 Chase but not as comfortable as many racegoers expected from the odds-on shot.

Willie Mullins' star was pushed all the way by the Paul Nicholls-trained Ptit Zig before finishing one and three-quarter lengths ahead.

Winning jockey Ruby Walsh said: "He made a mistake at the bottom of the hill second time around and he was a bit fresh going to post and rusty in the race. He'll improve a hell of a lot for today. I like horses that can win like that when only half fit."

Ascot's next meetings are on Friday and Saturday, December 18-19 when, in addition to the racing, there will be a wide range of festive activities for the whole family. Tickets are now on sale, starting at £15 for the Grandstand.