THE MONARCH RACINGSYNDICATIONS TEAM
Jason & Tahlia
Jason
Co-founder, Director
Jason is the new face on the scene in the thoroughbred racing industry. With a family tree originating in the standard bred industry, his passion for thoroughbreds has grown at an exponential rate.
Originating as a small shareholder before expanding his interests to 100% ownership and enjoying many horses and race successes, including a Listed winner and a number of black-type and Group-performers, Jason understands what it takes to be successful and what racehorse owners want, no matter the ownership percentage.
Jason understands the risks involved with racehorses and has partnered with and continues to learn from many great pioneers and top-achievers in all facets of the sport. His continued growth and education around time form ratings, pedigree research, assessment of bloodstock, and the management of the career of a racehorse, is on a rapid trajectory.
Jason’s passion for horseracing and his never-ending drive and dream to get to the top level of racing with his clients is his greatest attribute as he looks to make a mark on the syndications market.
Tahlia
Co-founder, Office and Accounts Manager
Tahlia runs the day to day and accounts for Monarch. Tahlia is a mum of four and has always had a passion for horses. She has grown up and owned horses since she was a young girl, taking part in pony club and interschool competitions. She purchased her first off-the-track thoroughbred, Zion, at 14 years old, whom she still has today and is absolutely spoilt and enjoying a life of retirement.
She is currently studying a Diploma in Equine Naturopathy, which includes nutrition and myofascial release therapy, Tahlia is looking at furthering her knowledge into the alternate health methods to improve racehorse health and wellbeing throughout their racing career and into retirement. This is a service that Monarch plan to implement in the future.
Tahlia has been a co-owner in several racehorses and has already experience the excitement of racehorse ownership with a Listed winner. Tahlia strives for these ownership experiences for all her clients to be a part of, bringing people together as a community, being a part of something exciting, and enjoying all things racing with likeminded people.
Our Racehorse Trainers
Richard Litt
Richard Litt was born with racing firmly entrenched in his DNA. A third-generation race horse trainer, his family has been involved in horses for as long as he can remember in both racing and showjumping.
After gaining valuable experience working for Bart Cummings, John O’Shea and Graeme Rogerson, he convinced his father, Jim, to move to Sydney and take out his training license in 2013 with just one horse. Richard took over the licence in 2016. Since then, he has not looked back.
Today, he is a multiple Group 1-winning trainer and stallion-maker, with Castelvecchio putting Richard firmly on the map winning the Group 1 Champagne Stakes and $2 million Inglis Millennium as a 2yo and the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas as a 3yo, as well as his memorable 2nd in the legendary Group 1 Cox Plate. Profondo also upped Richard’s credentials as a trainer-to-watch winning the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes at only his 3rd race start and currently stands a a sire in New Zealand.
But it’s not all about Group 1 winners. Richard has had extraordinary success with horses from large training operations, such as Godolphin. With his calm approach to providing horses with a relaxed environment and giving them time to show their potential, he has brought out the best in these horses.
Richard training philosophy is:“Horses need to be in a good environment, they need to be treated well, feed them well, get them fit and keep it simple.”
This is a big part of the secret of his success.
David Pfieffer
David Pfieffer’s has a natural approach to horsemanship. He works closely with each horse, with an eye for detail that keeps him in esteemed company within Sydney’s training ranks.
It’s a proven formula as his success of late proudly demonstates the twenty plus years of experience with thoroughbreds he accumulated whilst working with the likes of Rod Craig, Joe Pride, Graeme Rogerson and following his close mentor and friend, the late Tony Wildman.
David started training in his own right in December 2007, and it didn’t take long for him to produce a headline galloper with horses like Atmospherical (Listed Dilmah Tea Stakes), Graceful Anna ($1 million Magic Millions 3yo Trophy and the Group 3 Vo Rogue Plate), Gai’s Choice (Group 3 Gai Waterhouse Classic, 3rd in the Group 1 Tatts Tiara) and Cradle Me (Group 2 Dane Ripper Stakes, Listed Razorsharp and Listed Canterbury Classic) coming through.
In more recent times David Pfieffer trained I Am Excited, who won the Group 1 Galaxy, the Group 2 Gilgai Stakes, Group 2 Victory Stakes and the Listed Fireball and Darby Munro Stakes, Glint Of Silver (Group 2 Autumn Stakes), Rocketing By (Group 3 Sydney Stakes), Laure Me In (Listed Scone Cup) and Yamazaki (Listed Silk Stocking).
As patient as he is skilled, his philosophy reflects the respect he holds for his equine compatriots, ensuring he looks set to join the elite band of Australian training heavyweights with ease.
Simon Zahra
Simon Zahra’s passion, commitment, high standards, enthusiasm, energy and attention to detail in all aspects of horse racing, is second to none.
Simon’s journey started in the 90’s as a senior stable foreman for the highly rated Hawkes Team in Melbourne. During this period, Simon gained valuable experience and knowledge working with some of the most successful thoroughbreds in Australia such as Lohnro, Octagonal, Strategic – the list goes on!
As Simon’s passion and ambitions grew, this then evolved into a very successful 14 year training partnership with Mathew Ellerton, in the form Ellerton Zahra Racing (EZR). During this period there were several Group One wins as well as consistent growth.
With over 25 Years of high level experience and with the drive, passion and commitment to maintain success and indeed standards, Simon will continue to challenge himself and his team to provide the ultimate racing journey.
This new racing era will bring to fore and continue to provide a wealth of experience in horse training, intimate and articulate knowledge of yearling selection and of course a top quality service.
“Horse racing provides a range of challenges, but my team and I will be there all the way. From the early mornings at the stable to spending entire days at the races, our engagement is both constant and comprehensive.” – Simon Zahra
Our Pre-Trainers
