Jockey Josh Adams is set to miss the ride on top Epsom Handicap fancy Happy Clapper after being suspended for six weeks after being beaten on odds favourite Magic Ray at Moree on Sunday.

Josh Adams on board Happy Clapper above winning the Tramway Stakes at Randwick. Photo by Steve Hart.

The Todd Howlett trained Magic Ray was sent out as the $1.70 favourite for the McDonalds Moree Maiden Plate (1300m) but after Adams shot the three year old to the front at the 150m with the race in his keeping, appeared to stop riding for several strides which allowed the eventual winner, $26 outside Lord Russell, sneak past to score a nose victory.

Adams realised his mistake and tried to pick Magic Ray back up but had to return to a host of disgruntled punters following the unfortunate defeat.

Less than twenty-four hours earlier Adams was celebrating a career highlight with a win on Happy Clapper in the Group 2 $200,000 Tattersalls Club Tramway Stakes (1400m) at Randwick and a chance to partner the Pat Webster trained seven year old in the Group 1 $1m Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Randwick on September 30.

Webster was happy to give Adams a chance of riding a feature race winner after the young jockey had to overcome several personal problems over the last couple of years.

“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.”

Missing out on a win on Magic Ray also robbed Adams of a winning treble at Moree after taking out the  first race and the seventh race on the Howlett trained stalemates Roy’s Command and Sucker.