Vetran Tamworth trainer Merv Corliss dies

Well-known Tamworth trainer, Merv Corliss has died aged 93.

Corliss was once dubbed the ‘Country Cups King’ for his feats with horses like Akwazoff who won 16 country Cups during the early 1990s.

Akwazoff won the 1997 Grafton Cup and ran third twice, retiring with 36 wins to his credit and half a million dollars prize money.

“Merv Corliss will be remembered as an outstanding trainer and horseman,” Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’landys said.

“He regularly travelled the state with his horses and won countless country Cups making many friends along the way.”

Merv’s daughter Lesley Jeffriess, a successful trainer in her own right, said her father died peacefully on Sunday.

“Dad won many races in the city and had a lot of very good horses including Steelswitch, Victory Charm, Dollar and Durie Blue,” Jeffriess said.

“But he always had a soft spot for Akwazoff who was an amazing horse. Dad trained his mother Akwitana who also won a stack of races.”

Corliss’ last winner was Glenbarra Boy in the 2010 Warialda Cup.

He is survived by daughters Marion and Lesley, along with his extended family of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The local community will gather at Tamworth Racecourse on Monday morning for the funeral service.