Load could go straight to Cheltenham

Henry de Bromhead is targeting Loosen My Load at the new two-and-a-half-mile novice chase at Cheltenham following his run at Leopardstown two weeks ago.

The Co Waterford trainer may send the seven-year-old straight to the Festival now after being delighted with his performance in finishing fourth to Realt Dubh in the Bord na Mona With Nature Novice Chase.

“There’s not a bother on him and he’s in great form. He’s very well and we were delighted with his run,” said De Bromhead.

“Hopefully he’ll go to Cheltenham for the new race, the Grade Two over two and a half miles for novices. That might be his next race, but I’m not sure yet.”

De Bromhead is resigned to thinking his two runners in the Red Mills Thyestes Handicap Chase at Gowran Park on Thursday week, Sizing America and Lurgan, will not make the cut.

“I’d say they are going to struggle to get in unfortunately, by the looks of things. It looks as if they are too far down the field, but we’d love to run them if they could get in,” he added.