Trainer Annabel Archibald commended jockey Sam Clipperton’s aggressive race tactics following their victory aboard Mickey’s Medal in the Toyota Forklifts Handicap (1400m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

Clipperton strategically positioned Mickey’s Medal approaching the home turn, and the gelding responded commendably on the heavy track, maintaining strong momentum and securing the win comfortably.

“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 admitted that Mickey’s Medal was performing so well that he contemplated an unconventional move at the final bend.

“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, a $15 chance, triumphed by almost a length over It’s A Knockout ($5.50), with Narbold ($6) finishing a length further back in third, just ahead of the favourite Lugh ($3).

Archibald highlighted Mickey’s Medal’s exceptional performance on the extremely heavy racing surface.

“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 remarked 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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