New rider for Happy Clapper but bet you can’t guess who?

Clinton Payne - Wednesday August 23

One of Australia's most accomplished middle-distance performers Happy Clapper will have a new jockey in the saddle when the Pat Webster-trained galloper resumes in the Group II Tramway Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on September 2.

Advertisement
Josh Adams wins the June Stakes aboard The Monstar. Photo: Bradley Photographers

Comeback jockey Josh Adams has landed the plum ride aboard the two-time Doncaster Mile runner-up.

Adams returned to the saddle earlier this year after an extended period away from racing due to a drug problem.

"I was there with him when he hit rock bottom and I can't compliment him for the progress he's made anymore than to give him the ride on my best horse," Webster said.

"That's the greatest compliment I can pay the kid for where he's come from."

The 25-year-old former champion Sydney apprentice has already tasted a feature race success since returning to riding, winning the Listed June Stakes aboard the Brett Cavanough-trained The Monstar, who he'll ride in the Group III Concorde Stakes (1000m) at the same meeting.

"It's a huge thrill to be given the chance to ride a horse like Happy Clapper," Adams said.

"I worked bloody hard to get back and to be given the chance to ride horses like Happy Clapper and The Monstar is extremely rewarding."

Happy Clapper, now a seven-year-old appears to have come back as well as ever with two eye-catching third in recent Randwick trials.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Steve Davis Awarded NZTBA Personality of the Year
Bloodstock auctioneer and media personality Steve Davis has been honoured as the 2025 NZTBA Personality of the Year, in recognition of a lifetime of contribution to the New Zealand thoroughbred breeding industry.
Consecutive Wins For Lucky Vega’s I’m Lucky Two
Off the back of an impressive two length victory over 1000m at Toowoomba at the end of June, the month between runs didn’t pose any issues as the Michael Nolan trained Lucky Vega (IRE) gelding I’m Lucky Two stepped out over 870m to win once again.
Closer Look at Written Tycoon – The Golden Crop Delivers
The sun might be setting on the stud career of Written Tycoon, but he’s not going into the twilight years quietly and is set to be crowned Champion Australian 3YO Sire this season, which is probably something predicted by many when he got the opportunity of a lifetime to cover at Arrowfield Stud for one season in 2020.
Juvenile Trial Watch – Rosehill
This will be the last Juvenile Trial Watch story for this season with all these youngsters to turn three on Friday and there was plenty of action with eight heats won by 2YOs and two more of this season’s G3 2YO’s North England and Memo stepping out against the older G1 stars.
Tenth Winner for Kings Legacy
King’s Legacy has had a promising start to his stud career with his tenth winner arriving on Tuesday while at the Rosehill trials one of his unraced youngsters produced a slick trial win to hold out Group performing colts Skyhook and West of Swindon.
Beaufort Downs Celebrate Stakes Success with Platinum Diamond
A pedigree close to the hearts of Beaufort Downs has added another black-type strike to the North Canterbury farm’s roll of honour.
Sires With Winners - Monday July 28
Here is the full list of 23 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Fifth Winner For Hanseatic As Audio Pop Cam Wins
With four jumpouts under her belt, winning the last three, Tony and Calvin McEvoy's Hanseatic filly Audio Pop Cam was too good for her rivals, starting favourite to win the Unox Casa Maiden Plate (1100m) at Pakenham with ease.
Savabeel Stakes-Winner in the Making
A patient approach with Force Of Nature is being rewarded in spades, with the son of Savabeel winning his way toward black-type assignments.
Stallion Shares in Cool Aza Beel Offer Rare Opportunity via Magic Millions Virtual Sale
Breeders will have a timely chance to invest in one of Australia’s most exciting young stallions next week, with two individual stallion shares in Cool Aza Beel to be offered via the Magic Millions Virtual Sale on Tuesday, August 5.