Truro racehorse on six-week winning streak for charity
First season of program going well as Barona Lilac marks 6-week winning streak
There's another chase — without the ace — raising money for charities in the province.
Barona Lilac, a five-year-old mare, has been on fire at Truro Raceway for the past six weeks.
The horse, brought to the province from Alberta, races to raise money for charity. This month her winnings will go to Big Brothers, Big Sisters.
Barona Lilac's winning streak will be tested Thursday night at her next race in Truro, said Robyn Crowe, executive director of the Nova Scotia Harness Racing Industry Council.
"Lilac is racing in our top class right now. Her purse is about $1,325," she told CBC's Information Morning in Halifax on Monday.
The raceway donates about $1,000 every month to charities.
Charm, speed and beauty
The rest, after expenses, is banked and will be donated in a larger track event.
"What we are going to do with what she has banked is a community day with all the charities at the track. That's open to the general public as well," Crowe said.
It is part of a program, Cheering For Charity, to bring more people to Truro Raceway.
"This is a promotional program. We want the community to see the raceway in a positive light. We also want to give back to the community that has supported us over so many years," Crowe said.
Lilac was chosen for charm as well as her speed and beauty.
"We looked for a horse that was also very pleasant in the barn," Crowe said.
"We have barn tours, we bring people in so they can see exactly what goes into racing. They can come in and meet Lilac. It is important to have horse with a nice personality."