Robert Hickmott, head trainer for six-time G1 Melbourne Cup-winning owner Lloyd Williams, will leave Williams's Macedon Lodge and begin training on his own after Sandown's Nov. 18 G2 Zipping Classic meeting, Racing.com reported Thursday. Williams confirmed via text message that Liam Howley, who has been with Macedon Lodge for six years, will step up as head trainer as early as next week.
“Rob H stays for the Zipping–as that is where it all started,” Williams wrote to Racing.com. “Wish him well as he goes out on his own. Will do well. Liam Howley been with me about six years. International experience. Very good.”
Hickmott, who won two Melbourne Cups for Williams with Green Moon (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}) in 2012 and Almandin (Ger) (Monsun {Ger}) last year, took over from trainer John Sadler eight years ago and promptly sent out Zipping (Aus) (Danehill) to his third of four consecutive G2 Sandown Classic victories. Hickmott saddles three in this Saturday's race in Almandin, Assign (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}) and The Taj Mahal (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}).
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