Episode 427: Ethan Ensby

Always nice to catch up with one of the many young hopefuls trying to establish themselves in the training ranks. The hours are long and the disappointments are many. Ballina’s Ethan Ensby has the right mix of determination and talent to make a go of an unforgiving business. Ethan begins by reviewing his recent run of success on northern tracks. He talks of the promising Maximum Vortex who came to town after two brilliant Grafton wins. Ethan says the horse wasn’t mentally equipped to handle the task. The young trainer talks of life in Ballina, and the rapport between local trainers. There’s been a recent arrival from Scone. Ethan says there is no racing in his family background other than his mother’s role as a Racing NSW swab steward. The twenty eight year old talks of his pony club days in Casino and the young local horseman he knew, who was destined to become one of Australia’s elite jockeys. Ethan reflects on his early experience as a trackwork rider and the trainers with whom he was associated. He looks back on the many ways in which he was able to generate an income from the local racing industry. Ethan talks of the legacy left by his late great grandmother which enabled him to get on his feet as a trainer. He talks about the first racehorse he ever owned. The gelding won his first race at Casino in the care of another trainer, but it wasn’t long before Ethan produced him to win on the Gold Coast. A heavy track dimmed the young trainer’s confidence. Ethan remembers with affection the horse he thought would provide his first city win. After a sequence of country wins Ethan brought Vitervo Star to Rosehill with very high hopes. The story had a sad ending. He talks of his stabling situation at Ballina and the facilities available to local trainers. Ethan remembers his early association with the young NZ girl destined to become his partner.  He talks of Jade’s family connection to a famous NZ trotting dynasty, and to her talents as a trackwork rider. Ethan acknowledges the happy association he’s had with Japanese born jockey Noriyuki Masuda, who’s ridden more winners for the Ensby stable than any other jockey. He pays tribute to northern rivers veteran Peter Graham whose daughter Cejay is one of his “go to” jockeys. Like many smaller stables, Ensby Racing utilises the resources of the bi-monthly Inglis Digital Online Sale. He’s had some excellent results, and highlights some recent acquisitions. Ethan leaves no doubt he’s in the training business for the long haul.