Long-time trainer Pat Webster celebrated his greatest moment in racing when crowd favourite Happy Clapper claimed a richly-deserved maiden Group I win for horse and trainer in the $1 million Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Webster, one of Sydney racing's most popular figures, has worked professionally at Randwick for 50 years, first as a jockey and as a trainer for almost four decades. In recent times, he's also worked for Racing NSW as an accredited drug and alcohol counsellor.
"This is my greatest moment in racing," Webster said.
"We've had 16 Group winners and this is our first Group I, wow.
"This will be it, Clapper's it. I won't have many more runners outside of him so it's all good.
Webster admitted watching Saturday's Epsom Handicap was "hard work" given the market expected Happy Clapper to prevail after coming off his gut-busting second to Winx in the Group I George Main Stakes which was the third time the horse had run second at the elite level.
"I thought Blake (Shinn) was a bit close in the run, but amazing," Webster said.
"I thought he was a bit close but he was travelling.
"Then I thought of the 57 (kg) with Tom Melbourne chasing and then I realised who Tom Melbourne was with the colours and I said, "If Clapper don't beat him we're in a lot of trouble".
''Having said that my condolences to the second horse but it is well done. Great horse and he deserved it."
Happy Clapper does it!!!
— Sky Racing (@SkyRacingAU) September 30, 2017
The crowd favourite finally wins a much-deserved Group 1 in the TAB #Epsom Handicap at #Randwick! pic.twitter.com/HG945Er0Gz
Happy Clapper ($2.40 fav) defeated Chris Waller's fast-finishing Tom Melbourne ($8) by a half-length with 2-1/2 lengths back to the Hayes'/Dabernig-trained Snitzson ($26) in third.
Webster said that provided Happy Clapper comes through Saturday's race to his trainer's satisfaction the seven-year-old is likely to return to Randwick on October 14 for the $500,000 Craven Plate (2000m).
"Someone said there's a race here in a fortnight," Webster said.
"He's seen enough of Winx and you know what? So, have I."
The Epsom Handicap win was Happy Clapper's ninth from 28 starts and took his earnings to more than $3 million.
