Barona Lilac has been a popular performer in the Maritimes, attracting a crowd with her well-publicized charitable endeavors. Her latest close encounter, however, almost proved to be a tragic one.

Racing on Monday night at Red Shores Summerside, Barona Lilac finished second in the track record effort of All Chocolate for trainer-driver Darren Crowe. She paced her mile individually in 1:55.3, not far off her 1:54.4 lifetime mark taken on a one-mile track. As Darren & Robyn Crowe were driving back to Nova Scotia with Barona Lilac in tow, a moose came in their path on the highway shortly after crossing the Confederation Bridge.

"It came out of nowhere," Robyn told Trot Insider. "Luckily we only had Lilac on the trailer so Darren was able to swerve so we didn't hit it head on and just caught the corner of the truck. It could have been much worse; we are very fortunate."

Surely Darren's quick reflexes from years of maneuvering horses and making split-second decisions played a key role in this run-in not being worse. With more horses entered at Summerside over the week, the Crowes will now be extra vigilant on their two-hour drive.

"We have three more trips to Summerside this week," noted Robyn. "I will be on moose watch for sure!"

The horsepower behind Cheering For Charity, Barona Lilac is racing in July for the Truro Rotary Club.