Gary Moore to aim Ar Mad at Punchestown or Sandown

GARY MOORE reports Ar Mad to be back in work and on course to return at the end of April at either Punchestown or Sandown.

The Grade One BoyleSports Champion Chase at the Irish track on April 25 and the Grade Two Celebration Chase on the last day of the UK jumps season four days later are the two options Moore has in mind.

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Ar Mad has been sidelined since finishing a good fourth to Un De Sceaux in the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown in early December on his first start for 10 months.

“He’s been back cantering for about two weeks now. I’m very pleased with him,” said Moore.

“We’re going to get him ready for either Punchestown or the Celebration Chase at Sandown.”

Moore revealed Sire De Grugy has been put away for the season after failing to show his old sparkle.

The West Sussex trainer is hoping the 2014 Champion Chase winner will be back for the next campaign.

“He’s finished for the remainder of the season and is being rested,” said Moore.

"We decided to let him down. We'll have him back next year, please God.

"The old spark wasn't there. He wants a bit more time."

Moore is aiming Camping Ground at the Aintree Hurdle on April 6 after the seven-year-old's 29-length romp in the National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell.

"He's fine and will go to Liverpool, all being well, for the two-and-a-half miler," he said.