Happy Clapper returned to the races with an impressive win in the Tramway Stakes, but trainer Patrick Webster is hopeful that the win will not cost him too much when the 2017 Epsom Handicap weights are released.
Happy Clapper returned to the races with a nice win in the Tramway Stakes. Photo by: Steve Hart
It was Tom Melbourne that hit the front at the 250 metre mark in the Tramway Stakes and he looked like the winner, but Happy Clapper showed a lovely turn-of-foot to finish over the top of his rivals late.
Josh Adams was given the ride on Happy Clapper in the Tramway Stakes as a thank you for the hard work he has done for the Patrick Webster stable and he was delighted that he had rewarded the stables faith in him.
“He is a credit to Pat and the whole team,” Adams said.
“Special mention goes to Chrissy – Pat’s wife – she always wanted me on the horse and it is lovely to be able to repay them for their faith.
“It has been an exciting week for me.
“Before the race I was confident and there were no nerves at all.
“I knew that I was on the right horse and that he would do the job for me.
“He travelled so well.
“I had him a little bit closer than what they did on paper and I think that is the best way to ride him because he can get out of his ground a little bit too far.
“He put them away very quickly.”
Webster said that he did not have Happy Clapper fully wound up for the Tramway Stakes and he would have been happy to see him run in the top four as he builds towards the Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m).
While he was pleased to see his star galloper get the job done in the Tramway Stakes, he asked the Racing New South Wales handicappers not to take it into consideration when they do the weights for the 2017 Epsom Handicap.
“It was a great win and a great ride,” Webster said.
“From the first day Josh and I met we have gone for a little trip and it has been good.
“Happy Clapper is Happy Clapper and he just puts in.
“I hope the handicapper realises that he didn’t win that well and it might be a run that flattens him.”
Tom Melbourne teased punters once again with a second place finish, while the well-backed Ecuador was a touch flat and missed the placings.
