McCluskey charge finally does get it

I Don't Get It got his head in front at the 42nd attempt when making all the running under Gearoid Brouder to win the Dunlop Homes Handicap Hurdle at Downpatrick.

A frustrating sort prior to this, the Neil McCluskey trained eight-year-old had been placed nine times but just failed to get that elusive win.

Well supported on this occasion, he was sent into the lead from flagfall and Brouder kicked on at the second last.

Despite being well clear into the dip, it appeared as though the strong travelling Thefaithfulindian would emerge from the pack and reel him in.

However, a less than fluent jump by the latter at the final flight sealed the win for I Don't Get It who kept on strongly up the hill.

Gearoid Brouder said: "He's always positive, I'd say the only time we took our time on him was in a handicap chase the last day. I think taking our time changed his tune and he was happy to be in front today. The last day just sweetened him.

"When there is something in front of him, he kind of sulks a bit. When the other horse came to him, I gave him a slap and he quickened away. Then my iron burst, my boot burst in the iron, after jumping the third last and I was lucky enough not to come off the side of him. We got it going.

"I knew at the top of the hill this horse wouldn't get caught. He likes hanging left but he does himself no favours doing it. He is what he is, a nice little horse."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham