Tyler, Kalychurun honoured at awards

Trainer Kelvin Tyler, his apprentice Kevin Kalychurun and stable star Timy Tyler combined to win five awards at the 2015-16 Southland Racing Awards in Invercargill last night.

Tyler, of Riverton, was the province’s top trainer last season with 36 wins and stakes of $478,975. He and New Plymouth’s Allan Sharrock finished 12th equal on the national trainers’ premiership, while Tyler was fourth on the South Island table.

Tyler received two awards last night - Trainer and Owner of the Year.

Kalychurun is Jockey of the Year. His 32 wins placed him seventh (New Zealand) and third (South Island) on the apprentices’ premierships last season.

He won seven races on the Tyler-trained Lochan Ora from March 4 to July 9. Lochan Ora won a maiden race in March and closed his campaign in the Group III Winter Cup (16th) at Riccarton in August.

Timy Tyler’s two wins last season were in the Winter Cup and Coupland’s Bakeries Mile Trial (Riccarton).

The 6-year-old No Excuse Needed gelding was voted Southland Miler of the Year and Horse of the Year.

Kelvin Tyler’s career training record stands at 104 wins in 10 seasons.