CHAMPION Hurdle winner Rock On Ruby is set to have a new trainer next term as Harry Fry is planning to take out a training licence.

Rock On Ruby ran under champion trainer Paul Nicholls’ name last term, although he was prepared by the handler’s satellite yard at Seaborough Manor in Dorset.

That operation has been overseen by Richard Barber, with Fry acting as his assistant, but the latter is now applying to take out a licence from October 1.

Seaborough will no longer act as a Nicholls outpost and 25-year-old Fry, who has been connected with the yard since riding out at the age of 13, will assume control.

Barber will continue to send out point-to-point runners from a separate yard.

Fry said: “I want to thank my landlord Richard Barber very much for the opportunity to take out a licence at Seaborough and set up Harry Fry Racing.

“Having been part of the team at Seaborough for many years it is a real honour to start my training career here.

“I hope to have about 20 in training next season, including Rock On Ruby, and I can’t wait to get started.

“Paul Nicholls has been very supportive of my decision and I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for all his help and advice over the years.”

Other recent graduates from Seaborough Manor Racing include Aiteen Thirtythree, Ghizao and Meanus Dandy – as well as Violin Davis, who won the Grade Two Warefield Mares’ Hurdle at Ascot in January.