The racing community is mourning the loss of Happy Clapper. His wickedly competitive spirit was sorely missed after this famous racehorse died at 14 years of age, following a fatal bout of colic. Known for his courageous performances both on and off the track, Happy Clapper leaves behind a lasting legacy that resonates deeply among fans and trainers alike.
Happy Clapper raced a total of 48 times throughout his career, achieving an impressive record of 12 wins and 18 placings. His brilliance on the track translated into huge prizemoney earnings of just under $7.3 million. In doing so, he received more attention than most of the winners due to amazing defeats. Moreover, he proved himself in head-to-head competition against horses like the internationally acclaimed Winx.
With the help of conditioner Pat Webster, Happy Clapper went on to earn six Group 1 victories. Significantly, he provided Webster with his first major success when taking the 2017 Epsom Handicap, over 1600m, at Group One level. Further, he won victories in the 2018 Canterbury Stakes and the famed Doncaster Mile, both at 1600 meters.
Happy Clapper earned widespread acclaim for his toughness and fighting spirit, highlighted by his encounters with Winx, who he fought closely in multiple races. Three starts later he ran Winx to a three-quarter of a length finish in the 2018 George Ryder Stakes. Overall, he finished second in six of the eleven races against her.
His trainer, Pat Webster, said the loss caused him much pain but added that the horse left behind wonderful memories.
“It’s a sad day. But when I think of ‘The Clapper’ there are so many great memories,” – Pat Webster
Fellow trainer Chris Waller honored Happy Clapper’s memory, recognizing the enormous mark he left on the racing world.
“Our thoughts go out to the connections of Happy Clapper and the Webster family,” – Chris Waller
Waller further commented on the horse’s capabilities, stating,
“He was a horse who we had a lot of respect for. Winx had to be on her best game when running against him because he was capable of anything. He breathed down our neck a number of times and could have easily beaten us had luck gone his way, and against us.” – Chris Waller
