Modus hits top gear for Geraghty to make winning start over fences

Modus earned an opening quote of 33-1 from Paddy Power for the JLT Chase at Cheltenham next March after an impressive first attempt over fences in the 2m4½f novice chase.

JP McManus's seven-year-old was backed as if defeat was out of the question into 2-9 (from 30-100) and after a few sketchy jumps early doors rewarded Barry Geraghty's rare trek to Bangor in style.

The Flat-bred was bringing by far the best hurdling form to the table having won the Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton last year before finishing an honourable sixth in the Coral Cup.