Doncaster Mile – What the jockeys said

Happy Clapper has emulated the champion Winx’s deed of 2016 by claiming the Epsom Handicap in the spring and the Doncaster Mile in the autumn.

Find out what the jockeys made of their horses’ runs in the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Royal Randwick.

Blake Shinn (Happy Clapper): ““That is amazing, I have just won a Doncaster, I have watched this race for so many years growing up and to finally win it and on the people’s champ ‘The Clapper’.

“To win a Doncaster and put my name in the history books with this horse who deserves it is very special.

“He is so brave this horse, he is honest he is tenacious and tough, well done to Pat Webster and the team this is what it is all about.”

Michael Dee (Arbeitsam): “Huge run. Would have been nice if I could have had the lead a bit softer but obviously in G1 Doncasters that isn’t going to happen. He was very tough running third. On the bend I didn’t think I was going to run that close. When pressured he kicked into gear.”

Tim Clark (Comin’ Through): “He ran out of his skin.”

Mark Zahra (Humidor): “He ran well. He just wasn’t brave on the inside. Got tightened up a few times and it cost him running a place.”

Craig Williams (Tosen Stardom): “Didn’t work out ideal for us. He reared in the air at the start. We were forced to be a lot further back. I was happy from inside the 800m, he grabbed the bridle but we lost momentum and was disappointing late.”

Glyn Schofield (Endless Drama): “I followed the winner. I had a lot of horse underneath me. He just couldn’t sprint when he wanted.”

Ben Melham (Prized Icon): “Too sharp for them this class.”

Jason Collett (Crack Me Up): “I was just too far off them.”

Michael Walker (Invincible Gem): “Had a beautiful run. Just hasn’t come up.”

Kerrin McEvoy (Tom Melbourne): “He didn’t settle without cover. He did a good job to run fifth. Unfortunately Tom has gotten away from us again.”

Brenton Avdulla (Kementari): “I stuffed that one up.”

Rachel King (Lanciato): “Really good effort stepping up in company. Too much ground to make up.”

Craig Newitt (Egg Tart): “Yeah she went OK. To win a race like that she needs it genuine wet.”

Jay Ford (Mister Sea Wolf): “Not up to them.”

Cory Parish (Cool Chap): “Super run. I would have liked a bit more of a suck up for longer but still a great run.”

Andrew Adkins (D’argento): “Huge run going back from the barrier. I suppose it was going to be a hard task for him but he tried right to the line.”