April 14, 2020

One of Australian racing’s most popular racehorses, who also holds a unique piece of Sydney racing history, has been retired after a stellar career.

Rising 10-year-old Happy Clapper, trained by Pat Webster at Royal Randwick, had 48 starts for 12 wins, 12 seconds and 6 thirds, and a total of $7.3 million prizemoney.

Admired for his longevity and consistency, Happy Clapper ran second five times to the world’s greatest racehorse Winx.

But he also created history as the only horse to win three prestigious races over the world famous Royal Randwick 1600m – The Star Doncaster Handicap (2018), TAB Epsom Handicap (2017) and Villiers Stakes (2015).

Remarkably, he also ran second twice in The Star Doncaster Handicap (2016, 2017).

Australian Turf Club Chief Executive Officer Jamie Barkley paid tribute to Happy Clapper and his trainer Pat Webster.

“Happy Clapper raced over many seasons in the highest rating races and endeared himself to the public,” Mr Barkley said.

“His trainer Pat Webster has been at Royal Randwick for the best part of 50 years and deserves great credit for his care of this wonderful racehorse.

“We thank Happy Clapper, Pat Webster, the horse’s owner Michael Thomas and all of the stable staff involved for the many memories Happy Clapper has delivered.”