Stable Lad Who Led Up Gold Cup Winner Disqualified for 32 Months
David Hickin, a 37-year-old groom who led up the 2021 Ascot Gold Cup winner Subjectivist, has been handed a 32-month disqualification from racing following a British Horseracing Authority disciplinary panel finding of serious sexual misconduct.
Pattern of Inappropriate Behaviour Towards Female Colleagues
The travelling head lad, who had worked in racing for two decades, admitted charges relating to three young women during a period from May to July 2025. The victims were referred to anonymously as Persons A, B and C throughout the proceedings.
Silas Lee, representing the BHA, outlined to the panel that Hickin had committed sexual assault, engaged in behaviour of a sexual nature, made sexualised comments, and abused his position of responsibility. "This case involves sexual assault, behaviour of a sexual nature, sexualised comments and abuse of a position of responsibility in respect of three young women," Lee stated.
Detailed Account of Serious Offences
The most serious breaches involved Person A and occurred during a single day. These included making explicit sexual references, touching her leg without consent in a racecourse canteen, attempting to hug her, picking her up, and forcefully pushing her against a horse box while wrapping his legs around her.
Additionally, Hickin watched Person A getting changed, unclipped her bra while making comments about her underwear colour, and posted social media comments suggesting he would masturbate over her photographs. He was also found to have pressured Person A not to report his behaviour.
Impact on Victims and Racing Community
Lee emphasised that Hickin's actions had "profoundly affected" Person A, who repeatedly told him to stop. "Members of the public no doubt would be horrified to hear of the misconduct in this case," Lee added, warning that such behaviour could deter young women from pursuing careers in racing.
Panel chair HH James O'Mahoney stressed the necessity of the code of conduct, stating: "If that kind of thing is going on in racing, it must stop." He noted particular concern about Person A's vulnerability, as she was alone with Hickin with nowhere to escape during the incidents.
Defendant's Response and Sentencing Considerations
Hickin admitted his guilt, telling the panel: "I do admit to what I've done and I do feel really bad about what I've done." However, he attempted to contextualise his behaviour, claiming: "It happens in every racing yard, everyone laughs and flirts with all the girls."
The panel considered multiple aggravating factors including the age gap between Hickin and his victims, his senior position, the serious harm caused, risk to others, and his pressure on Person A not to report the incidents.
Originally facing a four-year disqualification for the Person A charges, Hickin received a one-third reduction to 32 months due to his guilty plea. He received additional concurrent disqualifications of one year and six months respectively for offences against Persons B and C.
Career Background and Future Prospects
Hickin had risen through racing ranks over twenty years to become a travelling head lad. His career highlight came in 2021 when he led up Subjectivist, trained by Mark Johnston, to Gold Cup victory at Royal Ascot. However, the misconduct occurred while he was working at a different yard in 2025.
The disqualified groom indicated he has left the racing industry, stating: "I'm out of racing now, I don't intend on going back into racing anytime soon." He acknowledged his attempt to advance his career had "obviously gone wrong."
