Sam Clipperton has ridden a career-best four winners at Rosehill – with a little help from an expert.
The young jockey said he had taken advice from retired champion rider Darren Beadman to improve the percentages and regain confidence after a suspension.
Open Book
Clipperton came to Saturday’s meeting as Godolphin’s preferred rider in the absence of the suspended James McDonald and made the most of the opportunity with two winners in the royal blue.
He steered the promising Souchez to win in the 2YO Plate and Fitou to win a benchmark 83 with his other two winners for trainer Joe Pride on Ammirata and Open Book.
Beadman, who now works as an assistant trainer for John O’Shea at Godolphin, is the go-to person for Clipperton.
“I’ve never ridden four winners in a day before and it’s a big thrill,” Clipperton said.
“Darren has been a big help to me in getting me to focus and be more consistent.
“I was in good form and then I got a suspension and a couple of things were going wrong.
“One of the things Darren said was to just to take a deep breath and to think realistically and take care of the little things.
“You have to be on your A-game every day riding in Sydney and I went in today with a good book of rides but you are riding against the best in the world here.”
Twice Sydney’s champion apprentice, Clipperton began his career with Ron Quinton, and eight-time premier rider.
“Ron has obviously been instrumental in my career so far,” Clipperton said.
“My ambition is to win a Group One race this year. And I think a top-five finish in the Sydney premiership is a realistic goal and today certainly helps.
“I was seventh last season so I think I can achieve that.”
The quartet took Clipperton to 22 winners for the season, equal fifth with Brenton Avdulla who was winless on Saturday.
