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Michael Hickmott confirmed as Murray Bridge Foundation Trainer

In a vote of confidence for both the SA racing industry and his local club, rising star Michael Hickmott will become the Murray Bridge Racing Club’s (MBRC) foundation trainer, after being allocated the first 30 on-course stables. 

As part of a $5 million State Government grant from the State Budget, as recently announced by the Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Corey Wingard, Thoroughbred Racing SA (TRSA), in conjunction with the MBRC, will construct up to 150 on-course stables and a 70-metre equine pool at its Gifford Hill facility. 

Hickmott, who has enjoyed outstanding results already in the 2020/21 racing season, said the new stables will help grow his business and ultimately attract more trainers and horses to Murray Bridge, further strengthening the SA industry. 

“It’s a very exciting time with the allocation of these stables by Thoroughbred Racing South Australia (TRSA) and the Murray Bridge Racing Club,” he said. 

“It’s going to allow me to expand my numbers significantly going forward.” 

TRSA CEO Nick Redin says the new stables and state-of-the-art equine pool, added to the already-developed 1800m fibre sand track and uphill sand training track, will help to deliver all the necessary training infrastructure for Murray Bridge. 

“It is a key part of growing horse numbers in South Australia, which, in turn, will drive further investment and growth in the industry,” Mr Redin said. 

“To have one of our young trainers expanding his business as the foundation trainer is exactly what we wanted when delivering the new facilities. 

“We are looking forward to finalising the plans and commencing the project in the first quarter of 2021”. 

Hickmott described the new stables as “very significant” for his business. 

“For growth, for continued horse numbers (and) clients,” he said. 

“Clients are coming in from interstate, just on the back of the news that these on-course stables have been announced. 

“And it’s also something that my Asian-based clients in Hong Kong are very excited about.” 

Hickmott said the combination of increased prizemoney and SABOIS (SA Breeders’ and Owners’ Incentive Scheme) changes, together with the Murray Bridge investment, sends a strong message about the industry’s growth in SA. 

“It’s going to allow the South Australian trainers to go out there and purchase some high-quality horses, which is really going to improve the quality of racing we’ve got here…” he said. 

“And increased prizemoney is going to see more horses racing here, which will increase the betting turnover, which will (have) a flow-on effect… 

“It was a very smart piece of foresight by the South Australian Government and TRSA to build this facility here. I’m sure it’s an investment that will pay dividends very quickly and it’ll be a facility that will be filled very quickly as well.” 

Murray Bridge Racing Club secretary/manager John Buhagiar said Hickmott was the ideal foundation trainer for the club. 

“I’m ecstatic about it,” Mr Buhagiar said. 

“We’ve got a young trainer who’s really making a mark, he’s thoroughly professional and he’s the type of person who sees the big picture.” 

The addition of up to 150 additional horses on site will create an estimated cumulative economic value of $63 million over five years while creating 105 construction and ongoing jobs. The balance of the project’s funding will be provided by TRSA. 

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