More members of Nova Scotia's local racing circuit are joining forces to raise funds for those who were injured in a November accident at Northside Downs.
After getting the fundraising efforts started and recently making a call for others join, Truro Raceway track photographer Kyle Burton is happy to share that several others are pitching in.
Robert Collette of Truro was one of the first to step up. He will pledge 10 percent of earnings from his classy campaigner Bagel Man for the remainder of the year. The 13-year-old Im The Chairpan gelding has won nine times in 2016, including his last three starts. Since joining the fundraising efforts, Bagel Man has won two races.
Led by Truro Raceway’s de facto master of ceremonies Brad McCallum, the Wont Back Down Stables is also joining forces to help raise funds for the injured drivers. Their three-year-old filly Craigmore Christy is putting her money where her mouth is. Ten percent of her earnings will be donated.
Trainer Dawn Ellis Abbott is pledging 50 percent of earnings from her top class mare Desir Dorleans. The seven-year-old Goliath Bayama mare is a front-runner for local year-end honours and regularly faces stiff competition in Truro’s top class group. She’s already an eight-time winner this season and recently finished second behind the dominating His Boy Elroy on November 27.
Karma has been working well for trainer James (Roy) Burton’s stable since they kicked off the fundraising drive two weeks ago. Both his eight-year-old pacer Eye Forty Seven and homebred A Regal Beauty have been victorious in their efforts, with each winning a heat. Ten percent of their earnings have been pledged to the cause.
Track photographer Kyle Burton is also pledging 10 percent of his photography sales for the remainder of the year.
“The response has been tremendous and we have been really happy with the support from the local trainers,” said Kyle Burton. “They understand what it’s like to suffer and they realize we are stronger when everyone comes together.”
A special trackside cheque presentation at Truro Raceway will be made at the end of the year. Details will follow at a later date.
If anyone is interested in joining the fundraising efforts, please contact Kyle Burton at [email protected].
(With files from Truro Raceway)