But, as he admitted after his gelding Seeking Redemption won a maiden 2000m at Omakau yesterday, sheep were the last thing on his mind as he monitored the forecast this week.
His 4yr-old St Reims gelding has not been getting the tracks to suit in recent starts, and Lyon was watching the sky and his favourite weather website with interest, hoping for a firm track.
''Everyone thinks I'm on it to see if the sheep are dry, but I'm on it for my hobby,'' Lyon said.
''He's been racing on some tracks that have been a bit unfortunate, with rain the day before or rain on the day. The track would have been near perfect [for him] today.''
''I studied them a bit, and they were big horses and slow maturing, so I thought, `This horse will grow.''
'''[Seeking Redemption] is out of an O'Reilly mare, so it's a pretty good start. And a lot of those staying types need time. I just backed myself that John would be able to give him time.''
''John'' is John Parsons, who trains Seeking Redemption with wife Karen at Balcairn. Lyon has had considerable success with the husband-and-wife team, collecting about 65 winners, including 10 wins with Alpine Delight, who was a rare winner for Lyon at the Omakau track when she won the 2004 Clare Cup.
''Over the years, I wouldn't have won that many here. It's quite a hard track to win on, because you've got to have the right horse that can race reasonably handy, as you're turning during virtually three-quarters of [the race].''
Lyon went through the pony club ranks as a youngster, and also took part in eventing and showjumping before getting stuck into shearing. He was forced to step back from the horses - but not for long.
''When I thought I could half afford it I was back into it,'' he said.
Lyon is still looking for his own group 1 winner to match the Parsons' exploits with Final Touch, but, like many owners and breeders, he is hopeful.
''My group 1 [winners] are at home waiting in the paddock, aren't they?''
