Honouring a True Champion: Blake Shinn and Pat Webster Celebrate Beloved Group 1 Winner Happy Clapper

Happy Clapper, a three-time Group 1 champion and long-standing rival to Winx, has sadly passed away.

The cherished racehorse, who famously finished as runner-up behind the legendary Winx on four separate occasions, had been suffering from colic prior to the announcement made on Thursday.

Happy Clapper notably clinched victory in the 2018 Doncaster Mile with a thrilling conclusion, and also triumphed in the 2018 Canterbury Stakes and the 2017 Epsom Handicap.

He concluded his racing career with earnings exceeding $7 million, which included an impressive ten placings at the elite level of Australian horse racing.

Pat Webster, the trainer of the horse affectionately known as “the people’s champion”, expressed his condolences.

“It’s a heartbreaking day,” Webster shared.

“However, when I reflect on ‘The Clapper’, I am filled with so many wonderful memories. Although he may not have been a champion, he was undoubtedly the best horse I ever trained.”

Leading trainer Chris Waller also praised the resilient horse.

“Our thoughts are with Happy Clapper’s connections and the Webster family,” Waller stated on social media.

“He was a horse we held in high regard; Winx had to perform at her absolute best to prevail against him, as he could turn the tide in any race. He came close to us several times and could have easily claimed victory had luck favoured him. Congratulations Pat on all you achieved with Happy Clapper and the impact he made on Sydney racing.”

The legacy of Happy Clapper will endure at Royal Randwick, where a bar has been named in his honour within the Winx Stand.

Champion jockey Blake Shinn also shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, recalling their memorable moments together on the racetrack.

“It is incredibly difficult to articulate just how profoundly Happy Clapper’s passing affects me,” he expressed.

“I had the privilege of riding him twenty times, celebrating seven wins and nine placings, including his three Group 1 victories. Without a doubt, he was the bravest horse I have ever ridden—he consistently gave his all.”

“Our victory in the Doncaster Handicap was a standout moment that I will cherish forever.”

“He was truly a once-in-a-lifetime horse—a warrior on the track and a crowd favourite off it. It was a privilege to be part of his remarkable journey.”