How many breeders can claim four track record holders – and counting – from the first three litters they’ve produced?
Gippsland (Boisdale) couple Sam and Steph Tyler have achieved that remarkable feat after Unleash Collinda continued his superb straight track form when breaking Healesville’s 300m record on Sunday.
Trained by champion mentor Jason Thompson, Unleash Collinda started $1.20 from Box 8 at his first appearance since finishing unplaced in the Group 3 Capalaba Cup Final on October 9.
Despite missing the start, the son of Beast Unleashed and Audacious Bell romped to a five-length victory in 16.196sec, eclipsing Kepal’s previous time standard of 16.213sec, established in February.
It was Unleash Collinda’s ninth win from 16 starts, including four from four from ‘the pink’, while he’s won four from five at Healesville, with his only defeat being a fifth in the G2 Healesville Cup Final, beaten just 1.5 lengths.
“He’s an absolute freak, in my opinion,” said Steph Tyler.
“We’ve known right from the start that he had endless amounts of ability, so to finally see him put it altogether and live up to his potential is fantastic.
“After he broke in, we said to Jason (Thompson) ‘Please, take him!’ We were too scared to put him around.
“He’s just so eager and plays up a bit in the boxes. He misses it worse on the circle, but he still missed it on Sunday and broke the record, over 300m! What would he do if he got the start right?
WATCH: “That is an eye-popping performance.” UNLEASH COLLINDA (B8) broke Healesville’s 300m track record on Sunday, stopping the clock at 16.196sec after missing the start.
“The only time he’s been beaten at Healesville was in the Cup and he was so unlucky. He got checked at the wrong time and was probably only half a length off winning by three.”
Unleash Collinda joins Group-winning litter brother Mr. Audacious (Shepparton 450m) and Collinda Patty (Sandown 595m) and Collinda Lady (Geelong 680m), Zambora Brockie – She’s A Collinda sisters, on the Tylers’ honour roll of record-breakers.
“From the second and third litters we’ve bred, we’ve had four track record holders, so we must be doing something right!” Steph said proudly.
“I think ‘Chopper’ (Unleash Collinda) has gone under the radar, with the massive hype around Mr. Audacious.
“People tell us we didn’t keep the best one, but I’m very happy with how it’s turned out and it’s great to see Unleash Collinda stamping his authority. We’re still a big part of Mr. Audacious’ journey too.
“The whole litter can really run. Collinda Chips (5 from 14) is another one. If he could actually jump. In his last run, at Bendigo, he was ten lengths last but only got beaten a length.
“We trained their mother Audacious Bell for the Wainwrights and when it came to the end of her career, they offered us her to breed with.
“The Beast Unleashed litter is her first and she’s had two more; one to Bernardo, that’s 13 months old and they look amazing, and another one to Aston Dee Bee.”
The Tylers, who were recognised for their achievements when receiving the Ned Bryant “Silver Fox” award at this year’s Victorian Greyhound Awards, were due for a change of fortune, after a wretched run with injuries for Group performers True Collinda, Collinda Lady, and Collinda Patty.
“True Collinda, which ran in The Phoenix last year, fell in the heats of the Bendigo Cup and ruptured the ligament in her shoulder, so she’s retired,” Steph explained.
“Collinda Lady broke a hock at Sandown in the National Distance heats. We thought she might have been finished, but we’re trying a few things to get her back.
“Collinda Patty injured a back muscle, but she’s been going very well and will have her first start back at The Meadows on Wednesday.”
