Happy Clapper gives Webster first Gr 1

Happy Clapper has held on to win the $1 million Epsom Handicap at Randwick and give veteran trainer Pat Webster his first Group One victory.

The favourite beat Tom Melbourne by three-quarters of a length after the Chris Waller-trained gelding made a late surge in Saturday’s 1600m feature race. Snitzson came third.

“It is well done. He deserved it … We’ve had 16 group winners and this is our first Group One,” an emotional Webster said.

Happy Clapper settled just in behind the speed which was only leisurely and although he got to the front a bit early his class was on show and he held the others at bay in the run to the line.

With WINX now already in Melbourne Pat Webster is excited about a fortnight with the increased prizemoney levels for the Craven Plate 2000m and that is where we will next see the group one Epsom Handicap winner.

Credit: AAP

Stay up to date with the latest racing news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest racing news!