Welcome win tarnished by devastating fire

To say that 2024 has brought mixed blessings to NSW Northern Tablelands harness racing trainer Jeffrey Enks would be something of an understatement.

Last Tuesday, Enks with thrilled to record an early season win with his determined mare Lilly Shannon (Heston Blue Chip) – and less than 48 hours later, he was coming to terms with a devastating fire at the family’s Armidale stables.

“You have the high of highs on Tuesday, then on Thursday I was about the lowest I could be,” Enks said.

“We lost all of our gear – we basically were left with two sets of harness for the racehorses and that’s about it,” he said.

The fire was caused by an electrical fault and destroyed the feed shed and barn and all of its contents, including gear and sulkies.

“The barn was insured, but we had a lot of gear stored there and, of course, we lost all of that,” Enks said.

“Thankfully the ponies that were in the barn until a few months ago were out on grass.  We went over around five to water them and everything was fine, then we got the phone call from the lady who lives on the property just after six to tell us about the fire.

“We’ve had some great support from local people, which has been really wonderful, but it’s still a tough thing.”

Enks has been involved in harness racing for his entire life and Lilly Shannon has given him both of his two wins since returning to the training ranks last year.

In her latest Tamworth victory, Lilly Shannon found the back of the leader, then when driver Anthony Varga found clear space at the top of the straight the pair packed too many guns, scoring by five metres.

To watch the race replay, click here.

“She is a big girl with a big heart,” Enks said.

“It was great to get the win for Peter and Marie (Neil) – I’ve had horses on and off with them for about 20 years. Without being a superstar, she is always a trier, and in all the runs I have given her even if she finishes out of a place, she always gives her all,” he said.

“Anthony’s like a brother to me – he’s won both of the races on her and he’s just gone above and beyond to help us since the fire. We’ve been so appreciative of what he’s done and all the other people – they haven’t been able to do enough to help.

“The fire was pretty devastating, but it’s the way it happened, and you’ve just got to get up and keep going again. We’ve had some ups and downs so far this year but hopefully we might be back on another high again on Tuesday.”

Lilly Shannon is engaged in Race 7 at Tamworth tonight (Jan 16).

For complete race fields, click here.

by Terry Gange, for Harnesslink