TRAINER DAVID HILL DIES IN TEXAS

Ex-Kranji-based Englishman had no stars but Gl winner Flax attested to his patience

- Michael Lee

Game South African-bred gelding Flax (Jose Verenzuela) winning the Group 1 Raffles Cup (1,800m) for trainer David Hill at Kranji on Oct 21, 2012.

(PHOTO: STC)

Former Kranji trainer David Hill died in Texas in the United States on Oct 17 at age 74.

The British handler has been battling glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, which was first diagnosed around a year ago.

After an initial period of recovery, the tumour unfortunately returned. Hill did not survive the second onset.

His daughter Samantha, who was his assistant trainer towards the latter part of his 14 years (2006 to 2019) in Singapore, said that her father had been enjoying his retirement in America since he hung up his binoculars, but it all went downhill once his health issues began.

“After we left Singapore, Dad was just happy being a grandpa and spending time at my ranch in Dickinson,” said Hill.

“He even made a full recovery after his first diagnosis, but it came back. His health declined suddenly in the last few weeks. It was all very quick.”

Hill said her father’s dry wit and tendency to shun the limelight stayed with him until the end, even in death.

“My dad’s wish was to have no funeral. He’s always been someone who didn’t like any fanfare,” she said.

“Even as a trainer, he never chased the numbers. He was happy with the horses he had, and did the right thing by them.”