Despite putting in a tremendous ride to claim his first ever black type race with Monton in the Festival Stakes, apprentice jockey Sam Clipperton has been shafted from the mount.

Hugh Bowman has been called in to replace him for the Group 2 Villiers Stakes this Saturday at Warwick Farm.

Monton is trained by Ron Quinton, with which Clipperton is based, and says it’s just part of life for an up and coming rider.

“It was a dream come true for him and he will get other opportunities,” Quinton said.

“There were plenty of times when I was an apprentice I got taken off horses for jockeys like George Moore.

“That’s just the way it is.”

Quinton in an eight time winner of the Sydney jockey premiership and he also steered Bowman to an apprentice title when he was under his care back in the 1999 / 2000 season.

He says he has enjoyed following the success of Bowman since then and enjoys the occasions when the two can reunite.

“I’ve only got a small team now and Hugh rides for me when he can,” he said.

“I’m very happy to have him for Monton who came through the Festival Stakes in great order and is spot-on for the Villiers.”

Clipperton is currently second to other top youngster Chad Schofield in the race towards the apprentice title.

Schofield however has survived the axe and will get his chance in the Villiers Stakes riding for Gary Portelli.

He rode New Day Rising to victory last start in a performance that did enough to convince connections to stick with him.

“Chad rode him so well the owners have decided to keep him on,” Portelli said.

Both Schofield and Clipperton are in tremendous form at the moment with each rider bagging a double at Hawkesbury yesterday.