Trainer Profile

A Winning Combination

Mathew Ellerton and Simon Zahra officially joined forces in a training partnership in August 2009.

Mathew Ellerton - Trainer 

Underneath Mathew Ellerton’s quiet demure is a passionate, talented horseman who has channelled his energy into producing successful racehorses.

He doesn’t say much, but he doesn’t need to, his career does the talking for him. Mathew’s path could have gone in two directions. Once a promising footballer , he tossed it in to pursue a career with racehorses.

At a young age Mathew was introduced to the world of racing through his childhood friend who was a jockey. Horse racing soon grew to become his life passion.

Following his heart, he commenced his racing career in 1998, working for owner David Moodie at Hobsons Lodge. When a series of events led to Moodie's two appointed Trainers leaving the stable, Mathew was chosen by Moodie to take over the role. Moodie believed in Ellerton’s abilities, quoting him as “a gun” and he was soon to be proven correct.

Mathew has trained past champions such as Lady Of The Desert, Miss Kournikova, Spectatorial, Black Bean, Paint, Foreplay (now standing at stud), She Will Be Loved (defeated Miss Finland in the Blazer Edward Manifold Stakes), Nediym’s Glow, Speedy Rossa, Rose Ceremony, Casual Pass, Bellini Rose, and the ill fated Sunburnt Land.

Mathew has gone from strength to strength training many successful horses at Hobsons Lodge. In May 2009, he moved from Hobsons Lodge in Kensington, to Flemington Racecourse where he has joined forces with fellow trainer Simon Zahra and houses the Ellerton Zahra Racing Stable.

Mathew’s philosophy is to remain competitive. His training style is conservative and leans to the side of caution. He is a man of strong ethics and has a hands on approach, ensuring the well being of every horse in his care. He has a natural gift in the evaluation of young horses, adjusting their training accordingly, and providing owners with honest and unbiased feedback.

When asked what his career highlights are to date, Mathew recalled his first Group One race win with Black Bean at Randwick. He is also proud of his work turning around Casual Pass who was thought by veterinarians never to be raced again, only to come back and win the 2006 Group One Yalumba Stakes at Caulfield.

Simon Zahra - Trainer

When you first meet Simon Zahra, you are instantly taken with his enthusiasm and passion for racing. He loves his job, works hard, and he’s good at what he does. He thrives on the early mornings and the enjoyment people get out of his work.
Racing has been a part of Simon’s life since he was a teenager. A childhood friend and cousin of Mathew Ellerton, they would join Mathew’s neighbour, who was a jockey, and ride down to the stables on a weekend. Simon was soon to develop a love of horses and the racing industry.

Deferring his university degree, Simon started full time work in the stables and never returned to his studies. He worked for John and Wayne Hawkes for a period of twelve years. Simon was made Foreman of the Hawkes Melbourne Stable where he managed the role for a period of six years. During this time, Simon gained valuable experience and knowledge working with some of the most successful thoroughbreds in Australia.

In 2008, Simon obtained his trainers licence and trained Let Go Thommo for a Group 2 win in the 2008 Carlyon Stakes, and the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes in 2009. In August 2009 he joined Mathew Ellerton in a training partnership and established Ellerton Zahra Racing.

He has had several success and highlights to reflect upon during his racing career, working with such horses as the great Octagonal, Lohnro in his early years, and Strategic. He also notes the win of Casual Pass at the 2006 Yalumba Stakes at Caulfield as one of his memorable moments in racing, as well as his recent group wins with Let Go Thommo.

Simon is set to experience many more challenges and success in racing, as an energetic, passionate and dedicated trainer and looks forward to many more years of great racing success.

Sharnee Rose - Racing Manager

Horses are a large part of Sharnee’s life and she has never been far from the world of racing. Growing up in the Western District of Victoria, her parents had shares in horses and she often found herself at the races as a child. Her family now breeds several horses for racing each year and Sharnee keeps herself busy in her small amount of spare time with dressage training and competitions.

Sharnee has worked in various marketing roles for over 10 years before deciding to focus her skills in the industry she loved...racing.
Sharnee enjoys every aspect of her job and shares the excitement with the owners of each horse race, win or lose. She is available to discuss the purchase of yearlings, answer general owner questions, and discuss training opportunities.