HE'S THE GAFFER weakened in the closing stages to finish sixth in the Mackley Construction Handicap Hurdle at Fontwell on Sunday.

The bay gelding, trained by Melplash handler Bob Buckler, paid for a lung-busting move on the final lap as he attempted to chase down City Breeze in the final mile of the two mile and six furlong race.

The seven-year-old had moved smoothly through the field under jockey Robert Thornton before he weakened at the final flight.

Wellington trainer David Pipe bagged the victory with Red Echo while 8-1 shot City Breeze stayed on to finish in second.

Buckler also took experienced chaser Just Muckin Around to Fontwell. He finished ninth in the two mile and two furlong betbrokers.com Handicap Chase after losing touch with the leaders shortly after the halfway mark.

We Got Him has been entered in the Claydon Horse Exercisers Handicap Chase at Stratford on Sunday.

Buckler's seven-year-old brown gelding has raced four times over fences and bagged one second, two thirds and a fourth place.

Connections will be hoping that he will be able to land that elusive first win in his first outing at the Warwickshire course.