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Module has Punchestown as preference

Like Nacarat, Module races in the Clarke colours and will be ridden by Paddy BrennanLike Nacarat, Module races in the Clarke colours and will be ridden by Paddy Brennan
© Photo Healy Racing

Tom George hopes Module can enhance his reputation in the Boylesports.com Champion Chase at the Punchestown Festival after being denied the chance to run at Aintree at the 11th hour.

Already the winner of the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury this season, the seven-year-old ran a career-best in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham when third behind Sire De Grugy and Somersby.

Everything looked in place for a big run in the Melling Chase at Aintree but he was unable to take his place.

"It was very strange, he was fine an hour before the race and an hour after racing but he just had a bit of tummy ache," said George.

"It's never happened to one of my horses before. It wasn't down to the travelling, he just started sweating up and wanting to roll and was grabbing at the ground. It would be just like a human getting it.

"I've been very happy with him at home since, though, and I'm taking him to Cheltenham just to get him away in the box so his last memory of it isn't a bad one.

"It's just to make sure he is fine with it all, but everything he has done at home since suggests there's no lasting effects.

"He'll be entered for Sandown, too, but Punchestown is our preference."