Happy Clapper: The Canberra-bred donkey who won millions for Pat Webster and Michael Thomas

The thought of Happy Clapper being the one to end Winx's winning streak and, in the process, break the heart of a nation was enough to send a shiver down trainer Webster's spine.

So Webster was happy to be the bridesmaid five times, pocketing millions of dollars along the way for a racing odd couple.

"I do wonder what it would have been like [if Winx] hadn't been there," Webster said.

"But honestly, I don't know if I could have handled it. [Happy Clapper] was $2.70 in the Epsom and I didn't sleep for a week. I couldn't bare it.

"If Winx hadn't been about Happy Clapper might have won another five group 1s. You would have found me in a corner tearing up paper and eating soap.

"People would come up to me and say they hoped Happy Clapper would win [against Winx], but I wasn't one of them. I got used to running second ... It was a good ride and still going."

Trainer Webster has published a book, Don't Die Wondering, to detail his journey from recovering from a race fall to teaming up with Canberra owner and breeder Michael Thomas for Happy Clapper.

He also talks about his family, losing his son to drug abuse and using that experience to work with young jockeys grappling with similar issues.

Webster and Thomas first teamed up with Thankgodyou'rehere, but Thomas eventually sent to the horse to Victoria and offered another to Webster.

"When I first got Happy Clapper I was still disappointed because he looked like a donkey," Webster said.

"I came home from the races one day and said, 'gee, it's a fast donkey. That was the start of the story with Happy Clapper.

"Michael's sort of the complete opposite to me ... but now we've got a great relationship. If I had to pick someone to train a horse like Happy Clapper for, it would be Michael Thomas.

"Almost $7 million in prizemoney ... not a bad ride, is it?"

Webster is also passionate about being a mentor for jockeys, stablehands and trainers who might be struggling with drugs or alcohol.

He has spoken to Canberra-based Brodie Loy, who made his comeback from an 18-month ban this year as he attempts to relaunch his career.

"The jockeys have a love of riding and that can help them overcome the abuse. I like it when I get a result," Webster said.

"I'm sure Brodie will get on track, I put that down to Peter V'Landy's and Racing NSW."

Happy Clapper, now nine years old, was being set for the inaugural $1 million The Gong at Kembla Grange on Saturday, but is now being set for a 2000 metre group 1 next year.