Moores have another nice youngster on their hands with 'very impressive' Hansard

Sunday: Huntingdon

Hot on the heels of Authorised Speed's impressive success at Sandown on Saturday, trainer Gary Moore unleashed another smart hurdler as Hansard made a winning debut over jumps in an intriguing 2m novice hurdle.

A bumper winner for Charles Byrnes, Hansard was picked up by the Noel Fehily Racing Syndicate for £48,000 in April and made an instant impact for the owners as he quickened clear of Father Of Jazz, rated 101 on the Flat, and 10-11 favourite School Days Over.

While Authorised Speed is heading to the Grade 1 Tolworth Hurdle next, Kempton on Boxing Day awaits Hansard.

"It looked a seriously hot race," said David Crosse, representing the winning owners. "When he first went to Gary Moore's the reports were solid all the way through, and I think we've got a very smart horse on our hands.

"Jamie Moore has done all the work schooling on him and has loved him from day one.

"He did so much wrong today and there's so much more to come from him. We might go to Kempton with him over Christmas [for a 2m novice hurdle] and he's a very impressive four-year-old."

Hansard was completing a double on the card for the Moores after Spirit D'Aunou justified odds of 2-7 to win the opening 2m junior hurdle.

Poker pick-me-up

Huntingdon specialist Poker Master provided trainer Charlie McBride with a welcome fillip when making it four wins from five starts at his favourite track in the 2m4½f handicap hurdle for conditional riders.

Newmarket-based McBride has spent some of his winter holiday in Antigua in hospital, but is hoping to fly back to Britain this week and he managed to keep tabs on Poker Master's victory from the Caribbean.

Ian Pattle, who owns the winner along with McBride, said: "Charlie has been ill in Antigua for a week. He's out of hospital now, but he had a very bad incident which meant he couldn't come home until he got the all-clear. Hopefully he will be home towards the end of the week.

"He was on the phone to his son Sean, who was giving him the commentary. We've always believed in the horse, as has Charlie, and he's really starting to repay that belief. Charlie's a brilliant trainer."

Poker Master (blue) jumps the final flight on his way to winning the 2m4½f conditionals' handicap hurdleCredit: Edward Whitaker

Poker Master was switched to hurdles after becoming uneasy with the stalls on the Flat, and has found his niche at Huntingdon.

Winning rider Tom Buckley added: "This flat, galloping course suits him because he's got some speed. Hopefully he can win again, but if he doesn't, he jumps fences well so can go down that route."

On a roll

Tom George has been having a good run of things in France, but he was able to strike much closer to home as Great D'Ange landed the 2m7½f handicap chase.

The winner had fallen on two of his five previous runs over fences, but jumping was his strong suit on this occasion as he put in some fine leaps on his way to a 3-1 success.

Great D'Ange puts in another good leap at the last to land the 2m7½f handicap chaseCredit: Edward Whitaker

"It took a while for everything to come together for him," said George. "He was always a good jumper but was just making a few uncharacteristic mistakes. The more jumps the better now because he really enjoys it and hopefully he'll keep progressing."

George celebrated Grade 1 success in France with Il Est Francais last weekend and his decision to have a team based on both sides of the Channel is paying dividends.

"I've won more euros than pounds, but I'm not complaining," said the trainer. "It's been an absolute revelation and the money they've won over there is staggering."

Results, replays and analysis

Read these next

Shishkin set for 'hike in trip' as Nicky Henderson ponders next move

'He was very slick' - Facile Vega 5-4 for Supreme after easy hurdling debut win

'He looks the real deal' - Noble Yeats 10-1 for Gold Cup after remarkable win

'I was blown away' - emotional King taken aback as Edwardstone excels at Sandown

The Racing Post Annual 2023 is here! Look back on a star-studded year in this fabulous 208-page book packed with the best stories and pictures. The perfect gift at £19.99. Order from racingpost.com/shop or call 01933 304858 now!