A four-year-old first-timer and a seasoned jockey will combine in the second race at Hawkesbury on Thursday … and both will be arriving fresh for their respective first-up assignment.
Sam Clipperton will be having his first race ride for close on a year … his last ride was at Rosehill on December 7, 2024.
Just days after that Clipperton shocked the racing world by announcing his retirement at the ripe old age of thirty, for the moment then bringing to an end an illustrious career with his results, in particular aboard the Joe Pride trained Think About It who Clipperton partnered to nine victories, rubber-stamping a run of success he enjoyed that some can only dream about.
In an interview with 7horseracing at the time, the five-time Group 1 winner explained his decision to call it a day.
“Why I made that decision … it is a complicated answer and a simple answer. The simple answer is I don’t want to do it anymore,” said Clipperton.
It takes a lot to compete at the level I am used to competing … and that I want to compete at.
“It absorbs you. You have got to think about it all day … go to bed thinking about. Get up thinking about it … and it was just a time in my life I thought enough is enough”
There is no doubt that Clipperton’s decision was the right one for him at the time. Feeling the intensity of the relentless pressure that is involved, being consumed by it, can lead to a dark place … so backing off was an astute choice.
But things change … and that ‘thing about it’ theme re-emerged, this time in a positive context.
After a ten month freshen up, Clipperton announced he would be returning to race riding telling 7horseracing, “I woke up one morning and thought it was time to get back to work.
“I’m pumped. I’m so excited. Bring it on.”
And while Clipperton was having that time off and then was working on building up his fitness to race level again, Galway Flyer, the horse Clipperton will get the leg-up on at Hawkesbury for his first ride back, was being steadily schooled by trainer Chris Waller who wasn’t rushing the unraced son of Pierro.
Galway Flyer had six trails over the last nine months, without catching the eye, before Waller gave him the green light to taste race action so, in one way, Thursday’s race it will be a first step for both horse and rider … Galway Flyer kicking off his career and Clipperton kicking off a new phase of his career.
Galway Flyer is currently quoted at $27.
Clipperton was also booked to have another ride for Waller on the day … Konsa in race three … but that runner has been scratched.
