TRIBUTES TO KIM
Tragic death of Colin Tizzard’s daughter who played key role in trainer’s success
THE racing world has paid a warm tribute to Kim Gingell – daughter of Gold Cup winning trainer Colin Tizzard – who has died after a short battle with cancer.
The 43-year-old played a leading role in the Dorset family’s incredible success as a training operation.
Kim, mother of teenager Freddie and wife of Dave, died last Friday at Salisbury Hospital.
Paddy Brennan, the rider of former stable star Cue Card, tweeted: “Heart-breaking. Thinking of her family. Husband Dave, son Freddie, Colin her Dad, her Mum Pauline and brother Joe. RIP.”
And 20-times champion AP McCoy tweeted: “Heartbreaking news. My thoughts are with her family and friends at this tragic time.”
She might not have sought or received the public recognition like her father or brother Joe, but every time you visited the family training operation, on top of the hill outside the village of Milborne Port, Colin always made a point that it was a team effort. He often remarked: “My name might be on the trainer’s licence, but I would like it to be Team Tizzard, not just Joe and myself, but Kim too.” Her dad would add: “She won’t have a day off. She’s got a husband and family you know, but she’s always working.”
If the work was not punishing enough, she also organised transport to the races for the runners and oversaw the medical routines required for the 150 horses in training. Kim also found the time to help Freddie win 30 pony races.
New ideas did not go down well with Colin, but Kim once told me how she and Joe would made suggestions to change their father’s mind and – and then made him believe it was his idea.
Part-owner Geoff Nicholas tweeted a clip of Slate House following a win at Kempton: “This would not have been possible without Kim Tizzard. How can such joy turn to such sadness? Such a kind, talented, beautiful person. Will miss her so much.”