Buckley off the mark for Cromwell on Clermont

Kieren Buckley gave Hascoeur Clermont a well judged ride to land the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Sligo. I Don't Get It took up his customary front-running role in the three-mile-one and was soon well clear.

He came under pressure after the third last however and started to come back to his rivals.

Buckley made ground up going to the penultimate flight on Gavin Cromwell's charge and claimed the tired front-runner over the last.

The 15/8 favourite stayed on well on the run-in to post a seven-length win over the staying on Frazel Express I Don't Get It clung on to the third spot close home.

Buckley said: "He settled beautifully today because he can be keen and he jumped brilliant. I was always happy that I was going to pick up the leader, even though he was probably half a furlong in front at one stage.

"Things are ticking along nicely for me and that's my first winner for Gavin which is a monkey off my back.

“I had a chance ride on My Mate Mozzie in the County Hurdle. He ran well and a few days later Gavin rang me up and offered me the job over here.

“I was in a great position where I was with Nigel Hawke, but Gavin has a much bigger string and I thought, if I don't give it a go I'll never know.

"I suppose losing my 5lb claim before the end of the season would be a target to aim for."

(Quotes by Mark Nunan)