De Bromhead lightens the Load

HENRY de Bromhead was back in the winner’s circle at Cheltenham for the first time since Sizing Europe’s Greatwood Hurdle win two years ago as Loosen My Load struck in the Sharp Novices’ Hurdle yesterday.

It was at this meeting in 2007 when Sizing Europe laid down a Champion Hurdle marker in the colours of Alan and Ann Potts and it was their green and yellow silks which stole the feature on day one of the Open meeting.

There was no appreciable pace in the extended two-mile event and Loosen My Load benefited from being up in the vanguard to slip the field off the bend and hold the late, rallying charge of Cheltenham Bumper second and fellow Irish raider Some Present.