‘It’s a sad day’: Trainer Pat Webster mourns the passing of Group 1-winner Happy Clapper

The multiple Group 1 winner’s former trainer, Pat Webster, learned of the passing of his former stable star on Thursday morning.

“It’s a sad day,’’ Webster said. “But when I think of ‘The Clapper’ there are so many great memories.

“He might not have been a champion but he was the best horse I ever trained.’’

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Happy Clapper won 12 of his 48 races and earned more than $7.2 million prizemoney including Group 1 wins in the 2016 Doncaster Mile, 2017 Epsom Handicap and 2018 Canterbury Stakes.

“He is the only horse to win the Villiers Stakes (2015), Doncaster and Epsom Handicaps,’’ Webster said.

Happy Clapper also ran placings in another 10 Group 1 races including four seconds behind the great Winx.

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In the 2019 Chipping Norton Stakes, Happy Clapper famously attempted an all-the-way win and dashed five lengths clear on the turn. He maintained his advantage until near the 100m when, inevitably, Winx reeled in her old rival to win by more than a length in an epic finish.

“I remember the crowd gave him almost as big a reception as Winx after that race,’’ Webster said.

“My family always tells me that they will be talking about Happy Clapper in 100 years’ time because of Winx.’’

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Webster’s ever-reliable gelding was so popular with racing fans that the Australian Turf Club named a bar after him in the Winx Stand at Royal Randwick.

Happy Clapper had been enjoying a leisurely retirement until falling ill this week and despite the best veterinary care, could not be saved. He was 14 years old.

Originally published as ‘It’s a sad day’: Trainer Pat Webster mourns the passing of Group 1-winner Happy Clapper