By Duane Ranger
They say you should never look a gift horse in the mouth.
Well, in Trent Moffat’s case, the 26-year-old is certainly not gazing down an equine cake-hole, or questioning the value of his new Art Major gelding, Kwasii.
In fact, Moffat knows he got more than a bargain.
The 4-year-old bay was gifted to him last week as a ready-made racehorse, and will have his first start for the Yatala horseman at Redcliffe Paceway on Friday night.
Kwasii’s breeder and former owner, Kevin Seymour explains:
“Kay and I have decided to divest some of our horses and will be giving them to our Juniors. Kwasii is the first one and we have given him to Trent.
“As you are probably aware, Kwasii won two starts ago at Albion Park, and we hope he can keep on his winning way for Trent,” Seymour said.
“It’s a good way for our Juniors to earn some cash, as the horses are in full work and ready to race,” he added.
Moffat was extremely grateful for the gesture – especially being a well-bred young horse who has only had 16 starts.
“He’s already won twice and placed two times as well, so he’s no mug. He’s a lovely quiet horse. I can’t thank Kevin and Kay enough.
“They do so many wonderful things for our industry, especially for juniors. I really want to turn this horse into a real nice pacer for both them, and me,” Moffat said.
Kwasii made his race-day debut less than a year ago (November 15) and is the seventh foal out of the 20-win ($94,683) Fake Left mare, Joy To Behold.
That 21-year-old broodmare has left nine foals. Foal number four – Kwasii’s full sister, Joys A Babe, (2010) has so far been the best. She won 32 races, placed 29 times, and banked $400,818 between April 2013 and July 2018.
Joys A Babe won the Group One $100,000 Nursery 2yo Fillies Final, and the Group Two $35,000 QBRED 2yo Fillies Classic for the Seymours. Both were in 2013.
Kwasii has now doubled Moffat’s racing stable to two. He also trains another Art Major 4-year-old gelding named Itz Major Look.
“He’s lightly raced as well having had just 24 starts. I’ve had him for just one start. He was previously with Chantal Turpin, and then John Cockburn had him before me,” Moffat said.
Moffat also helps out trainer, Peter Greig, and previously worked for Grant Dixon at Mount Tamborine. He’s competed in Young Drivers Championships here and in New Zealand.
“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 this year’s QBRED 2yo Consolation with Shadys Delight (April 13). I also bred and drove him for Peter. He paid $34 that night.”
Moffat was born and educated in Coombabah on the Gold Coast. He used to help his Uncle Gavin (Moffat) before he went and worked for Dixon.
“I love harness racing. It’s in my blood and want to do my very best by Kwasii because Kevin and Kay do so much for our industry here in Queensland,” he stressed.
“I want to show them that I can train and own good horses. I’m also keen to increase my team if anyone needs their horse trained.
“I’ve had five winners so far this season. The goal is 50 come August 31,” he added.