Happy Clapper has broken through for his first Group I victory in the Epsom Handicap at Randwick on Saturday.
The Pat Webster-trained seven-year-old was given the perfect ride from Blake Shinn behind the speed before sprinting to the lead to hold off fast finishing Tom Melbourne ($8) by half a length with a further 2-1/2 lengths back to Snitzson ($26) in third.
Once again, Racenet was on hand to get the feedback from every rider after the race.
This is what the jockeys thought of their rides.
Race 7 – GROUP I EPSOM HANDICAP (1600m)
|
Place |
Horse |
Jockey |
Comment |
|
1st |
HAPPY CLAPPER |
Blake Shinn |
He jumped brilliantly today probably the best he has ever jumped, put him right behind Red Excitement. Speed was hot but he always travelled really well, we got there a little bit early for my liking, he was left there exposed as a sitting shot. He was primed for today, he's the class horse and he did a great job. He [Tom Melbourne] was coming quickly and he may have sensed it because that last 50m he did respond under hard-riding. I'm just so happy for everyone involved. It's their [Websters] first Group 1 and it obviously means a lot, not only to them but for me as well to do it for them. |
|
2nd |
TOM MELBOURNE (IRE) |
Glen Boss |
Chris has got him flying this preparation. He ran his heart out today and there's a Group 1 win in him shortly. |
|
3rd |
SNITZSON |
Cory Parish |
Super run from him. He will probably benefit from the run today. He was a little bit keen early when he didn't have the cover. Once the winner came in front of me he relaxed and hit the line nice so really happy with that. |
|
4th |
FOXPLAY |
Hugh Bowman |
I was delighted with her. A better draw might have been a different story but all honours to the winner, he's the form horse and deserves it. |
|
5th |
SOUND PROPOSITION (NZ) |
Corey Brown |
He ran really well. I think that's the best of him. He had a great run in transit outside the winner, we joined each other topping the straight but the winner was just too fast and he was deserved, well done Pat Webster. |
|
6th |
COMIN' THROUGH |
Joao Moreira |
A little bit unlucky as he was unable to get in and get some cover. But he was pretty much off his mind at the 700m and he wasn't in the race any more. |
|
7th |
MCCREERY (GB) |
Tommy Berry |
He's going nice but the track's probably a little too firm for him, he likes to get his toe in a bit more. |
|
8th |
RED EXCITEMENT |
Brenton Avdulla |
He just pulled himself into the ground. We were bowling at a good speed but he just never came back to me. |
|
9th |
SAVILE ROW (NZ) |
Jay Ford |
He's obviously very talented but he all he does is work against you. He just pulled himself into the ground and left himself with nothing to finish off. |
|
10th |
ZANBAGH |
Damian Lane |
She never really travelled as well as she can today. Bit cluttered up on the corner and probably as firm as she wants it. |
