breednet.com.au

Happy days for Pat and Clapper in the Epsom Handicap

Clinton Payne - Saturday September 30

Long-time trainer Pat Webster celebrated his greatest moment in racing when crowd favourite Happy Clapper claimed a richly-deserved maiden Group I win for horse and trainer in the $1 million Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday.

Advertisement
It was Happy Clapper's day at Randwick on Saturday in the Epsom Handicap.
Photo: Steve Hart

Webster, one of Sydney racing's most popular figures, has worked professionally at Randwick for 50 years, first as a jockey and as a trainer for almost four decades. In recent times, he's also worked for Racing NSW as an accredited drug and alcohol counsellor.

"This is my greatest moment in racing," Webster said.

"We've had 16 Group winners and this is our first Group I, wow.

"This will be it, Clapper's it. I won't have many more runners outside of him so it's all good.

Webster admitted watching Saturday's Epsom Handicap was "hard work" given the market expected Happy Clapper to prevail after coming off his gut-busting second to Winx in the Group I George Main Stakes which was the third time the horse had run second at the elite level.

"I thought Blake (Shinn) was a bit close in the run, but amazing," Webster said.

"I thought he was a bit close but he was travelling.

"Then I thought of the 57 (kg) with Tom Melbourne chasing and then I realised who Tom Melbourne was with the colours and I said, "If Clapper don't beat him we're in a lot of trouble".

''Having said that my condolences to the second horse but it is well done. Great horse and he deserved it."

Happy Clapper ($2.40 fav) defeated Chris Waller's fast-finishing Tom Melbourne ($8) by a half-length with 2-1/2 lengths back to the Hayes'/Dabernig-trained Snitzson ($26) in third.

Webster said that provided Happy Clapper comes through Saturday's race to his trainer's satisfaction the seven-year-old is likely to return to Randwick on October 14 for the $500,000 Craven Plate (2000m).

"Someone said there's a race here in a fortnight," Webster said.

"He's seen enough of Winx and you know what? So, have I."

The Epsom Handicap win was Happy Clapper's ninth from 28 starts and took his earnings to more than $3 million.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Vinery Sell Pair of Million Dollar Mares
Vinery Stud made their mark at the Inglis Chairman’s Sale selling two fabulous mares off the track in Mumbai Muse and Makarena, who fetched $1.6million and $1.5million.
Wootton Bassett Fee Announced
During a high octane night of trade at the Inglis Chairman’s Sale Coolmore boss Tom Magnier was active at the top of the market purchasing three stunning mares in Amelia’s Jewel, Tiz Invincible and Estriella and also announced the fee for Wootton Bassett (GB).
Newgate Turn a Quick Profit with $1million for Eagle Nest
Newgate Bloodstock made a savvy investment at the Inglis Chairman’s Sale last year paying $300,000 for stakes-placed Shalaa (IRE) mare Eagle Nest and 12 months on they were rewarded when selling her for $1million.
$1.2 Million for SA Derby Winner Coco Sun
Yulong have an insatiable appetite for classic winning fillies and they snapped up Group I SAJC South Australian Derby winner Coco Sun at the Inglis Chairman’s Sale for $1.2million.
Widden Sell Million Dollar Pair of Mares
In a market dominated by off the track fillies and race mares at the Inglis Chairman’s Sale, proven producer Enbihaar proved a hot and timely item and was duly snapped up for $1.6 million in foal to champion sire Zoustar.
Sires With Winners - Thursday May 8
Here is the full list of 41 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
14 Mares Sell for $1million or More - Inglis Chairmans Sale Ignites!
Bella Nipotina tonight became the equal third-most expensive mare ever sold in the Southern Hemisphere when realising $4.2m on a record-breaking evening at the Chairman’s Sale.
$3.8Million Amelia’s Jewel - Next Stop Kentucky
The Inglis Chairman’s Sale concluded with one of the highlight lots of the night when Group I winning $4million earner Amelia’s Jewel sold for $3.8million to Tom Magnier.
$2.8million for Estriella
Tom Magnier loves his I Am Invincible mares and having earlier tonight secured Tiz Invincible for $2.8million at the Inglis Chairman’s Sale, he paid the same amount for her Group II winning stablemate Estriella, who is by the same sire.
Arrowfield Pay $2million for I Am Me
Dynamic Syndications have enjoyed the ride of a lifetime with I Am Invincible mare I Am Me and it ended with fireworks at the Inglis Chairman’s Sale when the $4.7million earning sprinter was sold to Arrowfield Stud for $2million.