It was the moment 17-year-old Clipperton had been nervously awaiting as he was legged aboard Liechtenstein for his first metropolitan ride.
Clipperton need not have worried as the $3.60 favourite was poised to strike at the top of the straight and strode to a 5-3/4 length win over Country Hussle.
Making the victory even more special was that it was for his boss Ron Quinton, a former champion jockey who was quick to praise Clipperton.
"Sam went through the apprentices course we do at Racing NSW and I identified him pretty quick," Quinton said.
"He is a natural talent. He is still only light at 43 kilos but he will grow and get stronger."
Clipperton downplayed his role in the win.
"I think a monkey could have sat on his back and won. It was a sit and steer job," he said.
"But it feels pretty good.
"I was a bit nervous this morning but it all worked out well."
Quinton said blinkers had helped Liechtenstein who had been ridden by Bowman at his past five starts including a second when favourite at Gosford earlier this month.
"It makes you wonder what Bowman's been doing on him," Quinton said good naturedly about one of his former apprentices.