Trainer Annabel Archibald acknowledged jockey Sam Clipperton’s courageous riding style after their successful partnership with Mickey’s Medal in the Toyota Forklifts Handicap (1400m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
Clipperton made effective use of Mickey’s Medal prior to the home turn, and the gelding handled the testing heavy conditions with aplomb, showing plenty of vigour and taking control of the race comfortably with plenty to spare.
“It was a bold ride by Sam,” Archibald said.
“I was a little bit nervous when he put the horse into the race before the corner but he obviously felt he had the horse underneath him to do it.”
Clipperton revealed that Mickey’s Medal was travelling so strongly during the race that he briefly contemplated an unconventional manoeuvre approaching the home turn.
“I heard Annabel say it was a bold ride but at the top of the straight I was nearly going to go to the outside fence,” Clipperton said.
“But he was going so well I thought I had better not and he was too good, he quickened away, he put them to ‘bed’.
“He probably hit the front too early in the straight and might have clocked off a bit but he won well.”
Mickey’s Medal ($15) triumphed by close to a length over It’s A Knockout ($5.50), with Narbold ($6) finishing a length behind in third, just ahead of the favourite Lugh ($3).
Archibald confirmed Mickey’s Medal relished the very heavy track conditions.
“It is one of those days when horses are either handling this track or they’re not,” she said.
“Mickey’s Medal had only two goes on a heavy track previously and ran really well so we were hopeful coming here today.”
Clipperton stated that Mickey’s Medal “just travelled so well” throughout the race.
“He felt in the zone today,” the jockey said.
“I just wanted to keep him in his rhythm because he was handling the track so well.
“I had to ride him confidently and tried to build his confidence. He loved the ground and did a good job today.”
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