Apprentice Sam Clipperton made the most of a late pick-up ride to land his first stakes victory at Rosehill on Saturday and fittingly it was aboard Monton trained by his master Ron Quinton.
A former top jockey who was educated by the legendary Theo Green, Quinton is proving to be a master tutor of young riders with Clipperton his latest prodigy.
Clipperton parked Monton ($16) in a beautiful position from his inside draw then switched him outside the heels of the leaders after the home turn.
The 17-year-old, who lives with Quinton and his wife Margaret, was thrilled to share his milestone with his mentor.
“To win my first Listed race for my boss Ron is a big thrill,” Clipperton said.
“He has taken me in like a son, I live with him, so this is a big honour.”
Clipperton made the most of a lucky opportunity to ride Monton after Chris O’Brien, who was booked to ride him, was stood down on Friday due to illness.
Then he had to sweat on there being no scratchings on race morning.
“When Chris O’Brien became unavailable yesterday, (chief steward) Ray Murrihy said I could wait until today and see if there were any scratchings and if a senior rider became available,” Quinton said.
“I told him if there were none then Sam would ride.”
Clipperton parked Monton ($16) in a beautiful position from his inside draw then switched him outside the heels of the leaders after the home turn.
The five-year-old raced to the front and had enough in reserve to hold off Liteinthenite ($7) and score by a half length with leader Viva Las ($26) holding third another three-quarters of a length away.
Favourite King Lionheart, backed from $4.60 into $3.50, was seventh.
Quinton praised Clipperton’s ability to handle the pressure of a stakes race and admitted he had reservations about him taking the ride.
“Sam is a good boy and he works hard,” Quinton said.
“Deep down I wasn’t happy he was riding him. It’s a lot of pressure.
“I said to Sam the only way you can win (in the situation) is to win (the race) and he’s done it.
“His first city winner, Liechtenstein, was mine and now his first stakes winner is mine again.”
The win was only Monton’s second since he claimed the 2010 Group Two Hobartville Stakes and his first since joining the Quinton stable earlier this year.
He will now press on to the Group Two Villiers Stakes (1600m) at Warwick Farm in two weeks when he will face a rematch with the runner-up.
AAP TURF
