Racehorse TALK

Brad Waters
Monday, 13 July 2009


Flemington trainer Mathew Ellerton and stable foreman Simon Zahra are set to join forces to become Melbourne’s latest training partnership.

Zahra said the relevant paperwork has been forwarded to Racing Victoria and the pair is set to gain approval to begin trading as Ellerton Zahra Racing within a week.

“We are expecting no issues from RVL with regard to the paperwork,” Zahra said. “It’s something we’ve been thinking about for a while and we’re looking forward to it.

“It’s been really well received by our clients and with the move to the new stables on course at Flemington; it’s the right time to form our partnership.”

Ellerton is a multiple Group I-winning trainer, preparing the likes of Mackinnon Stakes winner Casual Pass, Oakleigh Plate winner River Dove and C F Orr Stakes winner Desert Eagle.

Zahra is best known as the trainer of the Group II Carlyon Stakes winner Let Go Thommo and said he will integrate his small team into Ellerton’s Flemington stable when the partnership was approved.

“I’ve only got a couple of horses which will come under the partnership but we’re both very keen to do this and we are good mates as well and it should go very well for us,” Zahra said.

Zahra said Ellerton Zahra Racing is set to begin trading when the new season begins on August 1.