Classy gelding Happy Clapper has returned to racing in the best way possible at Royal Randwick this afternoon; producing a superior turn of foot in the final straight to win the Group 2 Tramway Stakes (1400m).
Happy Clapper flew home to win the Group 2 Tramway Stakes this afternoon. Photo: Steve Hart
Happy Clapper had not been seen at the races since his credible run of fifth in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes on Day 2 of The Championships, but he took an ideal position on the heels of the early leaders in the Tramway Stakes after jumping well.
Pulling the Teofilo gelding wide upon approaching the final straight, jockey Josh Adams allowed the horse plenty of time to balance before asking for an extra effort and was rewarded for the decision when the horse mustered a big turn of foot.
Adams delivered a perfectly-timed ride aboard Happy Clapper this afternoon and was thrilled to repay trainer Pat Webster with the win.
“He’s a credit to Pat and the team, they’ve done a great job with this horse,” he said.
“A special mention to Chrissy, Pat’s wife – she always wanted me on the horse and it’s just lovely to be able to repay them for their faith.
“Before the race I was quietly confident. I knew I was on the right horse and he did the job for me.”
Webster was thrilled with Happy Clapper’s performance and win in the Tramway Stakes and was quick to credit the quality of the horse and Adams’ ride.
“It was a great win and a great ride,” Webster said.
“I said to my wife coming down here, if he runs in the first four I’d be happy, but Happy Clapper is Happy Clapper and he just puts in.”
Happy Clapper has been set for an appearance in the Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Royal Randwick on September 30th and will only improve at a mile.
Tom Melbourne was caught wide in transit this afternoon and ran well to finish second in the Tramway Stakes, while classy mare Invincible Gem also overcame a luckless run in the final straight to finish third.
