Robert Miller, trainer, dead

A moment of silence was observed at Great Lakes Downs on Monday evening following the death of Robert Miller, president of the Michigan Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association. Miller died Monday afternoon at a Detroit hospital after spending the last few weeks there being treated for cancer. He was 75.

Miller had been at the track just a day before his hospitalization to attend to his stable. He and his wife, Delphine, owned DelRob Stables and bred most of their own runners, including their sire, Monetary Gift, a multiple stakes winner, That Monetary, and That Gift, a Michigan champion.

Miller had been a lineman, playing both offense and defense, with the Detroit Lions. He was on the 1952, 1953, and 1957 Lions teams when they were NFL champions. He retired from the game after the 1958 season.

After football, Miller went into the auto parts business in Detroit and got into the racing game as an owner. After his second retirement, he became a trainer and was active in that capacity until his death. Tuesday's program at Great Lakes Downs was to include The Synchronizer, who has been transferred to a friend of Miller's, trainer Bill Jenkins.

Miller had held his post at the horsemen's association since 2002. In addition to his wife, Miller is survived by several children.

Visitation was scheduled for Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Wint Funeral Home in Clarkston, Mich. The funeral is Friday at 12:30 p.m.