“Next Chapter”: Stud Looms For Zack Monelli

The racing career of Western Australian star Zack Monelli is officially over after breaking down in Thursday night's Group 1 Sandown Cup Final.

The racing career of WA star Zack Monelli is over.

A headline act from the first time he stepped out in trials at Mandurah, Zack Monelli turned heads wherever he went.

At Sandown Park on Thursday, he failed to finish in the Group 1 Sandown Cup and many watching feared that the all-distance dynamo had re-broken his hock.

"Fortunately, x-rays have disclosed no break, which is great," owner Mike Quinsee said.

"But he has some serious soft tissue damage and won't race again."

Zack Monelli suffered a hock fracture in private trials in June last year and was sidelined for five months.

In 24 starts since the hock injury, he won 14 times, securing the Group 1 Galaxy at Cannington in mid-April, just two weeks after his third birthday.

Bred by Mike and Michelle Quinsee, Zack Monelli is a son of  their Ultra Sense winning bitch Penny Monelli.

"He's been special from day one," Mike added.

"Dave [Hobby] has a good grasp on any dog's talent from slips at home but it was quite unexpected that he broke the 405m record at Mandurah in a trial before he raced.

"He won first up at Cannington in smart time [29.87] but little did we know he'd be so versatile.

"He got down to 29.39 at Cannington over 520m, was unbeaten in six starts there over 600m and won his Group 1 at 715m. He also holds the record at Mandurah over 490m at 27.02."

What was planned for Zack Monelli – a start in the Speed Star at Sandown over 595m and a trip to Brisbane for a winter campaign with Tony Apap – has been supplanted by retirement.

"We have a litter on the ground now and few services available but, once he's recuperated fully, he'll be a full-time pet and stud dog," his owner added.

"Being by Barcia Bale, a lot of breeders have choice in that area but his great focus and strength is something few dogs can boast.

"Zack's first litter of seven [out of Cannington 380m record holder Frida Monelli] are just over six months of age.

“And they look fantastic.”

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