Episode 216: Sam Clipperton

This is a comprehensive look at the life of one of the brightest young men in the Australian riding ranks. Sam Clipperton talks firstly about the three riding zones created by RNSW to help combat the spread of Covid 19. He looks back on a last stride defeat in the recent Doncaster Hcp. He agrees a Gr 1 win would have had a positive impact on his career. He looks back on almost three years under contract in Hong Kong. He was only 22 when the offer came from the Jockey club- an offer too good to refuse. Sam reflects on his successful opening season in HK and his fall from grace with owners and trainers. He’s still not sure how or why it happened. He pays tribute to the handful of good horses he got to ride, and the expat Aussie trainer who continued to support him. Sam talks of an exciting trip to Japan where he rode a horse for John Size in a Gr 1 event. He didn’t win but says the experience was unique. He talks of a quick trip back to Australia for his marriage to Morgan, a former member of the ATC Marketing staff. Sam talks of his ‘burn out” in October of 2019. He decided to take a complete break from racing and was out of the saddle for more than three months. The twenty six year old takes us back to childhood days at Mona Vale and his introduction to riding horses, steers, bucking bulls , show jumpers and eventers. Sam talks of his early decision to quit school. He reflects on his visit to Racing NSW and his dealings with former jockeys Maurice Logue, Ron Quinton and Malcolm Johnston. Sam looks back on work experience stints with two well known trainers, and the chance phone call from Ron Quinton which would change his life. The young jockey reflects with gratitude on his four years as the house guest of Ron Quinton and his late wife Margaret. Sam looks back on his very first winner, his first city winner and an amazing association with his all time favourite horse, the wonderful filly Peeping. He speaks admiringly of his second Gr 1 winner English in the historic All Aged Stakes. Sam reviews his association with a group of top class horses he got to ride. He nominates one of them as the best horse he’s ridden. You might be surprised. Sam closes with an insight into his interest in history with special emphasis on Australian history.