The experienced David Hill, who started his career in India under the tutelage of his father in 1969, was previously licensed by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, where he trained 377 winners and was crowned joint champion trainer in Hong Kong in the 1992/93 racing season. The Englishman applied the polish to RIVER VERDON, who was three times Horse of The Year and remains the only Triple Crown winner in Hong Kong. Hill has been a dedicated hard worker since he relocated to Kranji in 2006. ONCEUPONATIME has been more than a fairytale horse to him, having provided his two feature wins, the 2007 Magic Millions Juvenile Championship and the 2008 Singapore Guineas