Ensby is determined to end ‘nightmare year’ on a winning note
THIS year has been one of frustration for Ballina trainer Ethan Ensby – and he can’t wait for it to be over.
He can farewell 2020 in the best way possible with a breakthrough winner for the season when he ventures to Murwillumbah today with a couple of good chances.
“It’s been a nightmare year for us, but we’re battling away and starting to rebuild the team,” Ensby said.
“The horses have been thereabouts. We’ve just been the victim of circumstances at times. We just need that bit of luck on race day with a few breaks going our way and we can turn our fortunes around.”
Ensby’s first runners for the day are Olympic Gift and Chookster in the Class 1 and Maiden over 2000m.
Olympic Gift is coming off consecutive third placings and will give this a shake while Chookster needs to improve, according to Ensby.
“Olympic Gift is the sort of horse we always knew would get over a trip, and he gets up to 2000 metres for the first time today,” he said.
“His last two runs have been quiet to finish third. He just needed an ounce of luck at Ballina two starts ago and, jumping from 1410 metres to 1800 metres at the Sunshine Coast, his fitness just gave way in the last 50 metres. I want to win a maiden with him before tipping him out and coming back for a Derby campaign next preparation.
“Chookster was disappointing at Toowoomba last Saturday night. He had the run of the race but just didn’t run on as expected. We’ve wanted to put him up to 2000 metres for a while and we’ll see how he goes. He’s got some ability.”