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.
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.
