Loosen cruises home on Navan return

Loosen My Load made an impressive return to action in the Le Grande Chase at Navan this afternoon.

Henry de Bromhead's charge, one of last year's leading novices, never had an anxious moment as he cruised to a seven-length success in the two-and-a-half mile event.

Andrew Lynch was content to track the leaders throughout, on the 8/11 favourite, before taking closer order at the sixth last fence.

He let his mount ease into the lead at the third last and the Dushyantor gelding had matters well in hand before the penultimate obstacle.

Lynch could afford to sit motionless as his mount popped the last and sauntered to a seven-length success over Sebadee

The winner had claimed a Grade Three success over fences last year as well as finishing second in the Grade One Powers Gold Cup and third in the Jewson Chase at Cheltenham.

De Bromhead said, "Andrew said he slipped a bit going into the ditch early in the straight first time round and jumped a bit big at the next few. However he was brilliant after that, and I'd hope he'll improve alot from that run. He took a blow coming out of the back straight.

"We ran him carrying a bit more weight today, and he's definitely filled out from last year. He's a very exciting horse to have. We had to get him out early as he loves good ground, and he could go now for the second season novices race at Down Royal."

Gary Carson