By Duane Ranger (courtesy of Redcliffe Paceway)
The 2006 Village Jasper mare, Revivalist, has given Purga horseman, Trent Moffat, a new dimension in harness racing.
Not only is the 20-win (1:54.1 – $172,137) mare, the best racehorse, and first winner, that Moffat has trained, but she has now left him five foals, including last Thursday’s (May 11) Redcliffe Paceway winner, Shadys Cullect.
When Revivalist retired on November 21, 2015, Moffat waited a couple of months before putting her to Bettor’s Delight. Then on December 7, 2016, the nine-win gelding, and older brother – Shadys Delight was born.
“I really enjoy all aspects of harness racing and just want to do succeed for my owners. It’s very satisfying to breed, raise and then race your own horses out of a broodmare I once trained and drove.
“Thursday’s win was pleasing because this mare works better than what she races. She still needs time. It was a step in the right direction though. I think she will win a mares’ quali,” said Moffat of race five winner, Shadys Cullect.
Thirty-year-old Moffat, who trains, owns, bred, and drove the 4-year-old Gotta Go Cullect mare, copped a nice run in the one-one from gate nine. Then in the lane she outsprinted her eight rivals to win the NR40-45 Pace by half-a-ahead.
That was Shadys Cullect third win from 35 starts ($26,566). She recorded a 1:59.9-mile rate for the 2,040m mobile – slightly slower than her personal best of 1:58.7 recorded at Redcliffe on September 21.
He said Shadys Cullect was the second of five foals left by Revivalist.
“I’ve also got a 3-year-old Hurrikane Kingcole filly; a 2-year-old Ohoka Punter filly, and a Gotta Go Cullect yearling filly, who is a full sister to Shadys Cullect.
“I left the mare empty this year, but will probably get her back in foal next breeding season,” said Moffat, who works a team of 17 at Purga.
Moffat was born in Gympie and educated at McKay High School. He was introduced to our great sport by his grandfather – Bob – and his Uncle – Kevin – before he went and worked for Grant for Dixon at Mount Tamborine for five years.
He then helped Peter Greig before moving his team to Purga at the start of this year. In fact, Moffat has held a trainer’s licence since the 2012-2013 season.
Since then, he has conditioned 57 winners from 673 starters. He’s also placed 160 times and netted $362,642 in stakes. His best season was 12 winners last season – seven more than 2023.
Moffat clearly remembers his first training success.
“That was behind Revivalist at Albion Park (April 25, 2014). My first driving win was behind Just A Village on the Gold Coast (December 8, 2011). That was special because my Grandad trained him,” said Moffat.
Since the 2011-2012 season, Moffat has saluted the judge 490 times from 6,252 starts in the sulky. He’s also placed 1,229 times and banked $3,01m in stakes.
His best season came in 2019-2020 when he reined 76 winners ($509,116).
Asked what his highlights were to date, Moffat replied:
“I really enjoyed competing in the Young Drivers Championships here and in New Zealand, but I think my career highlight so far would be driving the winner of the Listed Flashing Red Pace (2014) with Vegas Bound.
“As an owner it would be winning a 2yo Consolation with Shadys Delight. I also bred and drove him for Peter (Greig). He paid $34 that night.”
Of course, Moffat said he would love to break through for his first Group victory, but for now the aim was to keep training winners for his owners.
“Hopefully, Revivalist will produce that champion, but for now the main goal is to keep ticking those winners over.
“I especially enjoy racing at Redcliffe. Bernie (Ring – president) and his team do a great job there as does, the track curator, Mark (Belford).
“Every week he turns out the track in great order. I’ve had a few happy memories at ‘The Triangle’, and I hope they keep coming,” Browns Plains-based Moffat said.
As to the immediate future…
“My horses don’t back up much, so Shadys Cullect will have a week or two away from the track now,” Moffat said.
“Ysmir (4) and Natty Pagger (13) are both nominated for race two at Albion Park on Tuesday (12.01pm). Mathew Neilson will drive Natty Pagger,” Moffat said.
Revivalist is pictured here with her babies:
