Webster Happy with his lot in life

1 year ago

Pat Webster is resigned to the fact his stable star Happy Clapper will never knock off the colossus of Australian racing, Winx.

And that's just fine with the affable trainer.

Happy Clapper has run second to the superstar mare nine times, and there's every chance that will extend to 10 when the pair lock horns in Saturday's Group 2 Apollo Stakes at Randwick.

Asked on SEN Afternoons if he lives in hope that Happy Clapper will one day be the one that ends Winx's incredible winning streak, which currently sits at 29, Webster said: "No, not at all, I don't even think about it."

Webster's philosophy, which has been formed after 50 years in the game, is simple: 'appreciate what you have, rather than agonise over what you don't'.

Happy Clapper has been a marvel for Webster and the gelding's owner, with the eight-year-old boasting 11 wins, including three G1s, and 13 minor placings, for earnings of $6.3 million.

"He's given me my dream; I only have a small team… I often used to sit there wondering if I would ever get one as good as him," Webster said.

"For him to come along… I'm not the most religious person in the world, but it was definitely God's will that he came along and landed in my stables.

"He's won two of the best mile races (the 2017 Epsom Handicap and the 2018 Doncaster Mile) in the world, definitely in Australia."

Webster said the son of Teofilo has been set for the inaugural running of the $5 million All-Star Mile at Flemington on March 16.

The race gives fans the chance to vote for 10 of the 14 horses via a public ballot, with Racing Victoria holding four wildcard spots to make up the rest of the field.

Happy Clapper has amassed in excess of 2000 votes and sits 17th in voting.

"That's his target and that's why he's running this Saturday," Webster added.

"Then he'll go into the (G1) Chipping Norton (at Randwick on March 2) against her (Winx) again, and then it's a fortnight to the All-Star Mile."

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