Sam Clipperton has picked up a plum spare ride aboard Mr Stunning in the HK$16 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday, 29 April and is confident that the likely race favourite is the horse all others need to fear most.
The Australian hoop will take the reins in place of Nash Rawiller after the Hong Kong Jockey Club handed the latter a 15-month disqualification on Wednesday (25 April) for breaches of rules related to betting and receiving benefits for supplying tips.
“It’s not the best circumstances, but if it wasn’t me riding him it’d be someone else,” Clipperton said at Sha Tin this morning (Thursday, 26 April).
The jockey revealed that he pinged Size a message to remind him of his availability should the champion trainer require his services aboard the G1 Hong Kong Sprint hero – Size had already booked Clipperton to ride Western Express in Sunday’s G1 Champions Mile.
“I just sent John a message saying I’m available if you’re looking for a rider – I’d said to him before entries came out that I was available. One thing about John, if he wants you he’ll come and get you, so I just put my name forward and left it at that – I don’t hassle him.”
Size is happy to utilise Clipperton’s talents. The 24-year-old has picked up 16 wins in this his second full Hong Kong season, having notched 40 wins in a fine first campaign.
“He’s acquitted himself well so far and I’d expect him to ride both of my horses well, both Mr Stunning and Western Express,” Size said.
“I think it’s very good for him to come to Hong Kong, it’s good for any young rider to come here and to gain experience against this tough competition. It certainly helps them in the future, especially when they go back home.”