Load ruled out of Cheltenham

Henry de Bromhead's talented youngster Loosen My Load will not be making the trip for next week's Cheltenham Festival.

The dual bumper winner has won two of his three starts over obstacles to date and was last seen winning a Grade Two event at Prestbury Park in November.

De Bromhead feels his charge is not yet in peak condition as he returns from a break and the six-year-old will instead target the spring Festivals in Ireland.

"Loosen My Load is fine but we've decided not to go to Cheltenham with him this year as he isn't ready," he said.

"He started off in bumpers in the summer last year so we had to give him a break at some stage and it has just taken a while to bring him back to fitness.

"Cheltenham is just going to come too soon but he'll be ready for Fairyhouse and hopefully then we'll have a fresh horse to go on to Punchestown as well."