Poker Master plays his hand late to spark emotional scenes for owner Pattle

Wednesday: Huntingdon

Poker Master kept his cards close to his chest before completing a hat-trick in the rain for Charlie McBride and emotional owner Ian Pattle in the 2m handicap hurdle.

The 8-11 chance, who is the only jumper at McBride's Newmarket yard, had a bit to do turning for home under Tom Buckley but came with a late run to catch Systemic.

The five-year-old is a jumper by default as he has an aversion to the stalls on the Flat but may yet make a chaser.

McBride said: "Ian has cried his eyes out for a third time over this horse but no more as we may put him away after that. He didn't jump as well as he can today as they went no pace. Nick Scholfield has already schooled him over fences, so we may go down that route next season."

Aintree ambition

Gentleman At Arms was sent off a 14-1 chance when runner-up in the Listed Sidney Banks at the track last month but came from the other end of the market when putting his two rivals in the shade in the 2m4½f novice hurdle.

The 2-13 chance was overhauled close home by the smart Elle Est Belle in the Sidney Banks but was never in danger this time with a ten-length victory from Propelled under Ciaran Gethings.

Winning trainer Stuart Edmunds is considering a Grade 1 tilt with the former Flat performer, who was registering a second win over hurdles.

He said: "He deserves a crack at Aintree after that and we'll enter him for the Sefton over three miles and probably the two-and-a-half-mile race. All roads lead to Merseyside."

Day to remember

Anightinlambourn kicked off a memorable afternoon for trainer Ben Pauling and owners the Megsons when winning the 2m4f handicap chase.

The 11-2 victory was a prelude to the win of Global Citizen for the same connections in the Grand Annual Handicap Chase at Cheltenham.

Results, replays and analysis

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