Jason & Tahlia
Jason Micallef
Co-founder, Director
Jason has spent the past few years making a strong impression in the thoroughbred racing industry. While his roots lie in the standardbred world, his passion for thoroughbreds has grown at a rapid pace.
Starting out as a small shareholder, Jason quickly expanded into full ownership, enjoying success with a number of horses — including multiple Listed winners, black-type and Group performers. With this firsthand experience, he understands what owners are looking for — whether they hold 1% or 100%.
Jason also understands the risks and realities of racehorse ownership. He continues to learn from some of the industry's leading pioneers and professionals, gaining insights across all areas of the sport. His ongoing education in timeform ratings, pedigree analysis, bloodstock assessment, and career management is driving his continued growth in the industry.
What truly sets Jason apart is his passion and relentless drive to reach racing’s top level — not just for himself, but for his clients. With a clear focus on success, community, and transparency, Jason is committed to making a lasting impact on the syndications market.
Tahlia Micallef
Co-founder AND MANAGER
Tahlia manages the day-to-day operations at Monarch. A devoted mum of four, Tahlia has had a lifelong passion for horses. She has grown up around them, riding since childhood and actively participating in pony club and interschool competitions.
At just 14, Tahlia purchased her first off-the-track thoroughbred, Zion, who remains a beloved member of her family today. Now enjoying a well-deserved retirement, Zion is thoroughly spoiled — a testament to Tahlia’s lifelong commitment to equine care.
Tahlia is currently studying for a Diploma in Equine Naturopathy, which covers nutrition and myofascial release therapy. Her goal is to deepen her knowledge of alternative health practices to support racehorse wellbeing — both during their racing careers and into retirement. This is a service Monarch plans to offer in the future.
An experienced racehorse co-owner, Tahlia has experienced firsthand the thrill of racehorse ownership. She is dedicated to delivering that same excitement to Monarch’s clients by creating a vibrant, inclusive ownership experience. From race days to exclusive events, Tahlia focuses on building a strong sense of community where likeminded people can come together, connect, and share in the love of racing.
Our Racehorse Trainers
Richard Litt
Richard knows that racing success isn’t only measured by Group 1 wins. He has achieved exceptional results with horses from major training operations, including Godolphin — most notably with Barber, who claimed victory in the Listed Takeover Target Stakes. With a calm, patient approach and a focus on providing a relaxed environment, Richard gives each horse the time and space it needs to realise its full potential — consistently bringing out the best in them.
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 as 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's 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.
Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott
Since joining forces in 2016, Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott have established themselves as one of the most formidable partnerships in Australian racing. Their base, the iconic Tulloch Lodge, carries a rich history that stretches back to 1941 when the legendary T.J. Smith, Gai’s father.
Today, with Adrian Bott alongside her, the team has continued to thrive, blending tradition with modern training philosophies. Together, they have prepared 26 Group 1 winners, ensuring the Tulloch Lodge name remains synonymous with excellence at the highest level of Australian racing.
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 the 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
Tony &
Maddysen Sears
Sears Racing is one of Queensland’s leading training partnerships, led by father and daughter duo, Tony and Maddysen Sears.
Professionally training thoroughbreds as TJ Sears Racing since 1992, Tony’s impressive career brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the stables. Tony has an outstanding amount of industry experience, an exceptional reputation and his passion for racing and thoroughbreds is second to none.
Maddysen has lived and breathed horse racing her entire life and in 2019 Tony & Maddy combined forces and became the co-training partnership of Sears Racing. The unique father-daughter training partnership creates a fusion of a lifetime of tried and tested experience with a savvy modern perspective.
We combine a holistic approach with a comprehensive understanding of the industry, providing top quality performance and outstanding results for your thoroughbreds.
Bloodstock Agents
Paul Moroney and Catheryne Bruggeman are among the world’s most accomplished bloodstock selectors, combining global market insight, deep pedigree analysis, and expert conformation judgement.
Their selections have produced 39 Group 1 winners of 55 Group 1 races, 160 stakes winners, and 288 stakes performers across Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Asia, and North America.
They tailor each strategy to client goals— early speed, or Classic stamina, stallion and broodmare potential—blending a sharp eye for elite athletes with extensive ringside experience. For Monarch clients, they deliver independent, globally connected advice built on integrity, horsemanship, and proven results. Since August 2020, their selections have achieved over 600 wins—and counting.
