Robert Hickmott has had more than one sporting life.
As a racehorse trainer, he has made waves as a double Melbourne Cup winner among other things. We’re looking into him and his Cup wins, provided by Green Moon and Almandin famously.
About Robert Hickmott
Robert Hickmott was born in 1969. Always a sportsman, he was an Aussie Rules player at first. He entered the 1990 AFL draft in pre-season, being selected by Melbourne. Hickmott played just two games for Melbourne during the 1990 season.
He went back to Wangaratta Rovers in 1991, eventually playing for Wodonga and Myrtleford during the 90’s. A change of career was needed, however.
Prominent thoroughbred owner Lloyd Williams offered Hickmott a training position at his stables, having been an assistant trainer up to that point.
Hickmott was responsible for much of the training of Efficient, winner of the 2007 Melbourne Cup. Though officially credited to Graeme Rogerson, Efficient was to whet the appetite for Hickmott’s own Cup success.
In 2009, Hickmott was offered the position as head trainer at Macedon Lodge, owned by Williams. He went on to train top-class horse Zipping as well as a pair of Melbourne Cup winners.
Melbourne Cup Achievements
As was also the case with Joseph O’Brien, both of Robert Hickmott’s Melbourne Cup winners as of 2022 have been provided by prolific owner Lloyd Williams.
Hickmott, like most Australian trainers, has prioritised the Melbourne Cup above most other races. This has provided some great rewards so far.
Robert Hickmott’s Melbourne Cup Wins
Having already achieved success with his change of sporting career, it was fully justified in 2012. That year marked Robert Hickmott’s first Melbourne Cup win with Green Moon. His two wins:
| Year | Winner | Age | Jockey | Horse Owner | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Almandin | 7 | Kerrin McEvoy | Lloyd Williams et al | 3:20.58 |
| 2012 | Green Moon | 6 | Brett Pebble | Lloyd Williams et al | 3:20.45 |
2012 Melbourne Cup
Turnbull Stakes winner Green Moon had been beaten in the Cox Plate as favourite before the 2012 Melbourne Cup. Because of that, he was a $20 chance at Flemington but his class shone through.
Having had his first run for the line checked he recovered, began another run and swept by to score. Fiorente was runner-up in what was a high-quality renewal of the race.
2016 Melbourne Cup
Having won the Harry White Classic at Caulfield and the Bart Cummings at Flemington, Almandin was in red-hot form. A price of $11 most certainly underestimated his chances.
With Hartnell going off favourite, this was a hot race. In the final 300 metres however, Amandin for Hickmott and Heartbreak City for Irish trainer Tony Martin pulled clear of Hartnell. Hickmott’s horse won by a head, albeit a cosy one under star jockey Kerrin McEvoy.
