When Paul Raven's ride at Plumpton crashes through the wing of the third last flight, it seems like one of racing's tragic accidents. But that doesn't explain why Paul's closest friend, Alex Drew, appears to be involved. Or why the fall that ends Paul's career should finally destroy Alex. Paul discovers a link between what happened at Plumpton and a sequence of other accidents apparently connected with a private poker school run by the wealthy property developer Clay Wentworth. Stud Poker seems to have little to do with the world of National Hunt racing, but by the time Paul is caught up in the dangerous game, other less honest players have stepped forward. And the stakes are high.