South Australian trainer Michael Hickmott cleans up at Ballarat with treble
South Australian trainer Michael Hickmott had a perfect day at Ballarat with the help of star jockey Jamie Kah.
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As far as perfect days go, Murray Bridge handler Michael Hickmott had the training equivalent at Ballarat on Wednesday, saddling up three winners from three runners on the eight-race card – all with gun hoop Jamie Kah aboard.
Promising mare Togetherforever was crunched in betting at $1.33 and kickstarted the day in strong fashion for Hickmott, saluting in the opening race, before three-year-old filly Spirit Of Camelot ($2.50) charged home to score in race two.
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The roll continued into race four for Hickmott, with High Five ($2.15) saluting for a strong 1½-length win, which was also Kah’s fourth win on the card, as she continued to build on an incredible day in the saddle.
“It was a great day and it’s fantastic for this bunch of owners,” Hickmott said post-race.
“This is the fourth individual runner we’ve had in the Punt Road colours over the past 12 months and the fourth winner.
“We’ve had 10 runners in the colours now for six winners and two seconds, and it’s something that we are certainly looking to grow on going forward, and (we are) certainly looking to bring more horses to Victoria.
FOUR ð¤¯@jamieleekah07 can do no wrong at Ballarat as she guides High Five home for @mhbloodstock ð¤ pic.twitter.com/gCp0OWIKdu
— Racing.com (@Racing) April 3, 2024
Victoria’s racing scene may have to get used to Hickmott’s border raids, with the South Australian trainer expressing a desire for a permanent stable in Victoria.
“Ballarat is a place that I intend on having a base at over the next 12 months, a small base, but a growing base,” he said.
“It’s fantastic to be able to come over here and access great prizemoney, get a rider of Jamie’s quality to jump on and bring him (High Five) over here.”
High Five’s win was particularly satisfying for Hickmott given the gelding’s recent barrier troubles.
“A big credit (goes to) my entire team with this horse, he’s been scratched at the barriers twice,” he said.
“I didn’t get to see it, but it’s a credit to my entire staff and just the day in general – having three runners over here for three winners, he said.
“I have a wonderful crew at home, we train on our own private properly, it’s growing and days like this make it all worth it, it’s just a pity the other guys couldn’t be here to reap the rewards.”
Originally published as South Australian trainer Michael Hickmott cleans up at Ballarat with treble