One of the top early Melbourne Cup star trainers was Walter Hickenbotham.
A rider for, and protégé of, another great John Tait, Hickenbotham trained no fewer than four Melbourne Cup champs between 1888 and 1905.
We’re looking further into Walter Hickenbotham, while also listing his incredible Melbourne Cup success.
About Walter Hickenbotham
Walter Hickenbotham was born in 1848. He began working in the industry by linking up with John Tait, prominent owner/trainer and four-time Melbourne Cup winner. Having ridden for Tait and others, he became a trainer in 1886.
Along with owner Donald Wallace, Hickenbotham formed a good racing relationship. They partnered up to land the Melbourne Cup in 1888.
With Carbine, his outstanding 1890 Melbourne Cup winner, the trainer reached a new level. Hickenbotham trained 136 feature race winners. His major successes included the Champion Stakes as well as three Sydney Cups. He also took down an amazing six Goodwood Handicaps and a pair of Newmarket Handicaps.
After first Etienne De Mestre and then his own mentor John Tait, Walter Hickenbotham was one of the early greats of the Melbourne Cup.
Melbourne Cup Achievements
It’s fair to say that Hickenbotham had learned from the best. Following in the footsteps of Scotsman John Tait, Hickenbotham won the Melbourne Cup for the first time with Mentor in 1888.
Even better was to follow two years later, however. In Carbine, Hickenbotham had an outstanding racehorse. It was noted in the press at the time just how good his trainer was and about how he got the very best out of him.
Hickenbotham had become known as “the Prince of Trainers”. He was devoted entirely to his horses. After Carbine won the Melbourne Cup, the trainer tended to his injured hoof rather than celebrate with others.
He went on to deservedly win the Melbourne Cup two more times.
Walter Hickenbotham’s Melbourne Cup Wins
It didn’t take Hickenbotham long to emulate former employer John Tait in winning the Melbourne Cup. Like Tait, he went on to win the race four times in quick order. Here are all four winners:
| Year | Winner | Age | Jockey | Horse Owner | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1905 | Blue Spec | 6 | Frank Bullock | PA Connolly | 3:27.50 |
| 1896 | Newhaven | 3 | Harry Gardiner | WT Jones & S Cooper | 3:28.50 |
| 1890 | Carbine | 5 | Robert Ramage | Donald Smith Wallace | 3:28.25 |
| 1888 | Mentor | 4 | Mick O’Brien | Donald Smith Wallace | 3:30.75 |
Though it took him a little longer than Tait to register four Cup wins, these were still quick. Four Melbourne Cup successes in 18 seasons would land most trainers in the Hall of Fame eventually.
