2025 was always going to be a big year for Trent Moffat - in more ways than one.
Thirty-two-year-old Moffat was confident he would have best season to date with wins as a trainer, but moreso he would marry his longtime partner, Emily Anforth.
Over the last decade, Moffat has been a regular on the Queensland harness racing scene, competing with good success at most meetings.
A graduate of the Grant Dixon system, where he spent five seasons working and driving for the premier horseman, Moffat took a leap of faith and branched out on his own.
Boasting more than 530 driving victories with highlights including a pair of Listed Classics, the 2014 Flashing Red (Vegas Bound) and Rising Stars Classic (Corporal Luna), the talented horseman has turned his attention to his own stable in recent years.
Since relocating to Purga, in the western corridor of Brisbane, just over two years ago, Moffat has notched two solid seasons with 22 winners (2024) and 23 winners (2023), and he was determined to push that figure to 30 or beyond this year.
Everything was on target until a nasty incident occurred in mid-May at his property.
While applying a set of back shoes to an unraced two-year-old, the young horse bucked and lashed out catching Moffat off-guard.
“I was kicked in the right arm and chest area. I was in real trouble. I had only just sent out a load of horses on the jogger, so my helper (Denis Smith) was oblivious but luckily, I work with air pods and after regaining my breath and some sort of composure, I called for my own ambulance before calling Emily,” Moffat explained.
“With the horses jogging on the track for 40 minutes Denis was out of action and the ambulance not nearby. I called Phil (Mitchell), who lives up the road, and he came quickly to give me some assistance before the medics arrived.”
Moffat was right. He was in trouble, and the pain was excruciating.
Once arriving at hospital and stabilised, it was revealed that Moffat had broken ribs, a lacerated liver (four out of five but capsule remained intact) and broke his right forearm just below the elbow (his dominant hand).
The broken arm required surgery where a plate along with five screws were inserted.
“I was lucky. I was very fortunate because it easily could’ve been much worse, but I got the help at the right time. I work with air pods so I can take calls from clients or listen to podcasts when doing some farrier work but unbeknownst to me, they came in very handy for another reason,” he said.
“Upon reflection, and being self-critical, I shouldn’t have put myself in that position. The horse should’ve been tipped out for a break and he gave me signs he was becoming a little sour. I should’ve done things differently and better.
“Naturally, things became a little chaotic. I was working a team of 20 horses at the time and suddenly, I had to rehome a few because I was going to be out of action for some time.”
Stuck in hospital, Moffat irked the nursing staff because he was never off the phone, and he quickly moved his racing team to different trainers.
Moffat was fortunate to have some good people around him and he rehomed his team with minimal fuss.
Guys like Daniel Anforth, Mathew Neilson, Jason Carkeet, Phil Mitchell and Bryse McElhinney really stepped up during his absence. Importantly, his band of owners were accommodating and appreciative.
A month had passed and many of the injuries were starting to heal, which forced Moffat into the rehabilitation phase.
“I was doing physio four times a day on the elbow and returning to the hospital once every fortnight. The elbow was difficult, it took a while to regain full range and motion and even today, it’s still not perfect,” Moffat said.
“I was determined to get back as quickly as I could, but in the right manner. I kept up the physio treatment. I couldn’t do much with the horses, so I focused on my rehab.”
Three months had passed before Moffat returned to work. His team of horses raced very well for their caretaker trainers before bringing them home.
The two horses that performed best during his time out were Reds Stars Deal and the trotter Natty Pagger.
Reds Star Deal is raced by John Dent while Shane McConnell races Natty Pagger.
“I can’t thank all the guys who helped me out enough. They were fantastic in so many ways, and my owners were equally impressive. They understood the situation and never flinched,” Moffat said.
“Both Shane and John were great, and they’ve been awesome for me since going out on my own. They both love their horses, and they really enjoy getting trackside to watch them perform.
“I’ve got a good mixture of pacers and trotters, young and old, and they’re maintaining their form. I thought I was a real chance of reaching 30 training wins this year. Things were rolling along well before the incident, and they continued their form under their caretakers. It is what it is, but it does leave me wondering at times.”
Returning to the sulky for the first time following the accident back in mid-May, Moffat ventured to Marburg for the Graham Harriott Memorial All Trotters Raceday on October 19.
Lining up in the first race, Moffat immediately returned to the winners list when guiding home Dollys Duke ($14) in the Zupps Mt Gravatt Maiden Trot, defeating race favourite Maroon Bells.
A huge result in many ways, Moffat gained instant satisfaction and confidence while Dollys Duke provided owner Shane McConnell with his 1st win QBRED bonus.
The day could’ve been even better with a little more luck. Natty Pagger got beaten a whisker in a tight finish while Aladdin Sane looked a winning chance before a home turn break in the feature, the Graham Harriott Memorial.
But Moffat was just chuffed to be back doing what he does best.
So, despite the bump in the road midway through the year, normal transmission has returned.
Now, let’s go and have a wedding day to remember.
Congratulations Trent and Emily.
Bring on 2026!
