First Light Racing had around 12 horses in work with the partnership and split the horses between both Ellerton and Zahra, with whom they had enjoyed much success – most notably with VRC Oaks winner Aristia.
Zac De Boss landed on Zahra’s side of the split.
“The operation was a success, but the horse was just pulling so hard in his races, obviously the memory of that blocked throat was still with him and he was just running on anxiety,” said Zahra.
“That pretty well put an end to plans of getting him to a mile. I had to reinvent him as a sprinter.”
At the same time, Zahra was reinventing himself as a trainer. Rebranding his business, setting up new structures, tinkering with training programs and introducing himself to new owners. It was back to square one for a man who had spent 35 years in the business.
“I started in racing at 15 or 16, it’s all I’ve done, but here I am now at 50 starting all over again,” he said.
“You have to think differently about what you’re doing, it’s a totally new challenge but it’s given me a new lease on life at 50.”
Zac De Boss still has youth on his side as a four-year-old, but his reinvention has been just as successful.
Switched back to sprinting in February, Zac De Boss won twice down the Flemington straight six course over winter. One of those victories was Zahra’s first winner at Flemington in his own right, under his new banner.
Improving young stayer winner Duke Of Hastings and sprinting mare Little Stevie, who put up back to back wins at Caulfield in June and August, are the latest metropolitan winners for Zahra who continues to make a strong fist of his new solo career.
Support has continued from First Light Racing who supported him with more yearlings this season. New syndicator Donald’s Winners has also thrown their support behind Zahra as the new phase of his career begins.
He has maintained a presence at Flemington with stables on course as well as a small farm, Zahra Lodge, at Kyneton.
“I’m really enjoying myself, I reckon it will take me 12 months to really get going but we will get there. I’m bloody excited to be honest.”