Late launch seals Tramway win for Happy Clapper
VETERAN galloper Happy Clapper has added another group title to its already impressive resume after taking out the Group Two Tramway Stakes Randwick on Saturday.
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Happy Clapper wins at @royalrandwick for Pat Webster #7racing pic.twitter.com/DFraQ0V8vT
— 7HorseRacing ? (@7horseracing) September 2, 2017
Happy Clapper, which delivered +500 to Crownbet.com.au customers, found itself towards the back of the field entering the straight, but as Tom Melbourne (+100 at WilliamHill.com.au) struck the front in the final 200m the seven-year-old let down out wide to score in impressive fashion.
Tom Melbourne breaks my heart every time ?
— Bomma Moles (@BommaMoles7) September 2, 2017
Race favourite Invincible Gem rounded out the placings to return -166.67 chance at Sportsbet.com.au ahead of long-time front runner and fellow favourite Echador, which could not sustain the early tempo.
The win was Happy Clapper’s eighth career success across 26 races, which also took the gelding’s overall earnings beyond $2.3 million.
Trainer Pat Webster said he and the horse have a special bond.
“It was a great win,” Webster said.
“He rewarded me from the first day we met. We’ve gone through a little trip and it’s been good. Amazing.”
Webster said expectations were not sky high going into the race, but he was not surprised to see the gelding cross the line first to claim another group crown.
“I said to my wife if he runs in the first four I’ll be happy but Happy Clapper is Happy Clapper and he just puts in doesn’t he.”
Coming towards what could be the final preparation of a long career, the Tramway victory indicates another group success could be on the cards before retirement for the seven-year-old.
The winning jockey Josh Adams lauded the training efforts of Webster and his team in the aftermath of the race.
“Credit to Pat and all the team,” Adams said.
“They’ve done a great job with this horse. It’s just lovely to pay them back for their faith.
“I was driving home from Muswellbrook the other week and my manager called me and gave me the good news. It’s been an exciting week for me.”
One of the top blokes in racing is Pat Webster, showed a lot of faith in @JoshAdams92 , well done with Happy Clapper @atc_races @TonyBrassel
— Andy Hurley (@AndyHurleyaust) September 2, 2017
The jockey believes Saturday’s win could gain the horse an entry into a group one race later this month.
“I only just held on then but I was still hitting the line strong.
“I’m sure they will try 1400m, obviously there is the Golden Rose coming up, I’m sure that the Coolmore Team and the stable will discuss it.”