John Ennis

John Ennis, a native of Ireland, entered the racing academy in his home country at age 15 and after graduation briefly worked as an apprentice jockey. He soon moved to the U.S. and worked as an exercise rider for trainer Charles LoPresti, getting a leg up on future Horse of the Year Wise Dan during that gelding’s early years in competition.

Ennis transitioned into owning and training horses during the mid-2010s and gradually built up a stable in Kentucky, specializing in developing young horses. In 2024, he secured his first Kentucky Derby berth as a trainer when Epic Ride drew into the field from the also-eligible list.