Sam Clipperton off mark, lands HK double
Sam Clipperton says he is relieved to get off the mark in Hong Kong after riding a winning double at Sha Tin.
Clipperton had ridden in 11 races at the first two meetings of the season without success win but struck in the first race on Sunday, steering Ace King to victory for trainer Peter Ho Leung.
“Peter asked me a couple of weeks ago to ride Ace King and he presented well, jumped brilliantly to find the outside fence and was really never going to be beaten,” Clipperton told the South China Morning Post.
“It’s a relief to get the first win out of the way. I just kind of sat back and enjoyed it a little bit. I didn’t get too pumped, I just let it sink in.
“It’s a great feeling.”
Later in the day the 22-year-old backed up with a win on the John Moore-trained Rewarding Flyer.
“John’s been giving me plenty of trials and gallops and I’ve had a few race rides for him that didn’t have a lot of expectation on them but it’s great to win one for him,” Clipperton said.
Moore said Clipperton had been recommended by Tommy Berry who has teamed up with the trainer for Group One success in Hong Kong.
“Sam has ridden for us at times in Australia anyway but he’s good friends with Tommy, who told me you wouldn’t find a nicer person, with plenty of riding ability that is only going to get better riding here,” Moore said.
“His work ethic, his feedback is all great and my stable is definitely going to support him.”
Clipperton was offered a club contract earlier this year after riding two Group One winners during the Sydney autumn carnival.
He was Sydney’s champion apprentice in 2012/13 and again the following season.