Despite earning over $2 million, a Group I win has proved elusive for Happy Clapper, however, the strapping son of Teofilo (IRE) will be among the main fancies for the Group I Epsom Handicap after earning a ballot exemption with his win in Saturday's Group II Tattersalls Club Tramway Stakes at Randwick.
The seven-year-old gelding owns runner-up finishes in two Doncaster Miles and a third in the Group I Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
Pat Webster entrusted Josh Adams with the ride on Happy Clapper in the Tramway and he did not let anyone down.
He had Happy Clapper in a striking position as Tom Melbourne made first run.
Knuckling down under hard riding, Happy Clapper defeated Tom Melbourne by three-quarters of a length with Invincible Gem one and a quarter length back in third. (photos Steve Hart)
Adams paid tribute to the Webster family for supporting him since his return to riding following a drug suspension.
"It's lovely to be able to repay their faith," Adams said.
"Before the
"I knew I was on the right horse and he did the job for me.
"He
It was the third stakes win for Happy Clapper advancing his record to 8 wins, 5 seconds and 3 thirds from 26 starts with earnings of $2,348,800
He is the fifth foal of the Encosta de Lago mare Busking, who was purchased for $13,000 by Michael Thomas from Darley Stud at the Inglis Melbourne March Thoroughbred Sale back in 2010.
Busking won just one of her 16 starts but she was a half-sister to Pat Webster's dual Group III winner and Group 1 Galaxy Stakes runner-up Thankgodyou'rehere (Secret Savings).
At the time of her sale, Busking was carrying Happy Clapper.
Happy Clapper is one of five winners from as many to race out of Busking, who is also the dam of the multiple stakes-placed Commands mare Gig who was sold at the 2015 Magic Millions National Broodmare sale for $300,000.
Busking has a 3yo full-brother to Happy Clapper, a 2-year-old colt by Not A Single Doubt that sold Ciaron Maher Racing $280,000 at this year's Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Sadly, Busking died in January this year. Her final foal is a yearling colt by Not A Single Doubt.
Happy Clapper is one of 70 stakes winners for Darley Stud's highly successful Teofilo who stands in 2017 at an advertised service fee of $44000.
He stands alongside his Doncaster Mile winning son Kermadec while another son of Teofilo serving his first mares this spring is Sun Stud's dual Group I winner Palentino.
