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By Mark Brassel

Young local trainer Ethan Ensby is unsure whether to apply the floaties as the safe option or throw his smart galloper Sovereign Legend into the deep end in Friday’s Roofing Craftsmen Ballina Cup.

Ensby, 26, trains his sizeable team on the track and he is contemplating tackling the open class Ballina Cup (1590m) in favour of the easier $30,000 Class 2 (1400m).

“I’ve entered him for both races – I’ll look at the weights first and then work out which race would suit him better,” Ensby said.

“He’s likely to get plenty of weight in the Class 2 so that’s why I’m also looking at the cup. It’s obviously a harder gig but he’ll get some welcome weight relief.”

Sovereign Legend (Yvette Lewis) in winning form on the Gold Coast

Sovereign Legend has only raced nine times for two wins but has just had the two runs for Ensby.

On debut for Ensby the horse flew home for a close-up fourth at Toowoomba when sent out at $61.

The gelding then scored an impressive win on the Gold Coast (1400m) on Boxing Day as an $11 chance.

It was an impressive win after he stumbled out of the barriers and then had to come right around the field and was five-wide on the home bend.

“He anticipated the jump, and his head went out the gates quicker than his body,” Ensby explained. “He then put in a long run but kept going, so it was a big win.”

Sovereign Legend has been a cracking bargain for Ensby who was previously trained by the Snowdens and then John Sadler, being a Moonee Valley winner on debut.

“We bought him for just $11,000 and he’s had two runs for us earning over $15,000 in prizemoney – so it’s now money for jam!”

“I’m confident he will get to greater heights if he stays sound; maybe a decent country cups horse.”

Friday’s Ballina Cup Racing NSW Country Showcase Day offers a massive $285,000 in prizemoney.

Ballina Jockey Club’s GM, Matthew Bertram, said: “The Roofing Craftsmen Ballina Cup was first run in 1914 and is the fourth running of the race since returning to take centre stage in our summer carnival, having previously been staged in the spring.

“We have a great day planned with something for everyone, including live local music acts, food trucks and pop-up bars, as well as great prizes in our Fashions on the Field and all the excitement of a Showcase Cup meeting on the track.

“The Cup program is our fourth race meeting since Boxing Day, and we are all looking forward to ending the Summer Carnival on a high.

“I must also thank our supporting sponsors XXXX Gold, Stone & Wood, TAB, TURSA, CAV, Pryde’s Easifeed, Ballina Seagulls, Koala Farms, Candylane and Belle Property.”

Saturday is Tuncurry-Forster Jockey Club’s big Seafood Raceday.

President, Garry McQuillan said: “Our Seafood Raceday is an annual affair attended by people from far and wide.

“Punters can feast on a range of delicious seafood options while watching all the races. This event is well-loved by our regulars, and we’d love to welcome any newcomers to join in all the fun.”

UPCOMING NSW RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Wellington
Tuesday: Taree, Albury
Thursday: Moruya, Gunnedah
Friday: Ballina
Saturday: Tuncurry, Tumut
Sunday: Cowra, Lismore