IF you let it, life can cultivate wonderful, unexpected realities which were never part of one’s pre-destined plans. 

Just ask Andy Gath. 

Bred for brilliance and gargantuanly gifted, Gath has been one of Australian harness racing’s most recognised and resilient trainers for more than two decades. 

That alone is worthy of worship in an industry which perpetually challenges, both through unfettered evolution and relentless expectation. 

But Gath’s story, particularly in recent years, significantly supersedes the normal training narrative. 

Five years back, not long before his beloved Swans were brutalised by a rampant Bulldogs in the AFL Grand Final, Gath rang his long-time supporter Norm Jenkin about investing in a trotter. 

Here’s the kicker; Jenkin and trotters were as foreign to one another as Greta Thunberg and Donald Trump. 

Fortunately, despite marginal material to work with, Gath convinced Jenkin to part with cash and KD Muscles was flown across the Tasman. 

She was quickly followed by Clover Mac and before they blinked Gath and Jenkin were partners in myriad squaregaiting stars headlined by Tornado Valley and McLovin. 

On Saturday night the latest in their long list of successes materialised when Monaro Maro toppled the most talented list of young mares in recent harness history to claim the IRT Australia Matriarch Trot at Melton. 

Even before Monaro Maro’s upset success one questioned begged answering. 

Was Andy Gath’s legendary legacy – which also included his deeds with La Coocaracha - irrevocably altered by his squaregaiting heroics? 

Was he a trotting genius more than a pacing prophet? 

The man himself is understandably uncomfortable with discussing this dilemma, but totally at ease with being remembered more for his squaregaiting successes than anything else. 

“It wasn’t my intention to target trotters for any special reason when I called Norm about K D Muscles; at the time she just seemed a great potential purchase,” he said. 

“If I’m being honest though, I embrace the concept of being more lauded for working with trotters than pacers for one simple reason; they’re harder to master. 

“I’m far too busy to think about how people see me, but I love working with trotters and the challenge they offer is motivating enough without any external accolades.” 

RIGHT now, Max Delight may be Australia’s most intriguing pacing prodigy. 

In his classic season, David Aiken’s blueblood daughter of Lady Euthenia was so special he secured Australian three-year-old of the year honours in a generation which included Lochinvar Art. 

Since then, he’s flirted with fame and fortune. 

That flirtation continued Saturday night at Melton when he worked his way to the front before narrowly claiming his 18th career success in the TAB Blacks A Fake Free For All. 

While circumstances suited, the fact that Max Delight lifted late when challenged by Shadow Sax is perhaps the greatest indication yet he’s capable of Grand Circuit success. 

The opinions expressed in The Forum are those of the author and may not be attributed to or represent policies of Harness Racing Victoria, which is the state authority and owner of thetrots.com.au.