Trot Insider has learned that Barona Lilac, who has given so much both on and off the track during her career, has been retired. Now all of those that have loved watching the pacer on the track, or have been a benefactor of her philanthropic endeavours, are invited to come out and honour her.
Nova Scotia Harness Racing Industry Association Executive Director Robyn Crowe has told Trot Insider that Barona Lilac performed in her final race on New Year’s Day at Truro Raceway.
“January 1 was ‘Lilac's last race of her career,” Crowe explained. “She will be embarking on a new phase in her life as a broodmare. We are super excited to say that thanks to Meridian Farms, she will remain with us and as part of our family, and we have hopes that her future babies will continue to give back and promote harness racing as she did.”
Barona Lilac retires at the age of seven after having made 113 career starts. She made 25 visits to the winner’s circle during her time on the track, and notched 18 second-place finishes and 19 thirds. She retires with a career mark of 1:54.4, taken over the one-mile course at Alberta Downs, and $123,154 in purse earnings. She started her career in the barn of Kelly Hoerdt before moving on to the operation of conditioner Joe Ratchford. She ultimately ended up racing for horseman Darren Crowe in the spring of 2015 and found much success their until her retirement.
Barona Lilac’s participation in the local ‘Cheering For Charity’ program saw the bay mare earn over $8,500 for local charities over the last two years, thanks to the generosity of owner Meridian Farms and the hard work of Crowe and the NSHRIA
The charities that Barona Lilac raced for were guaranteed $1,000 a month, regardless if she won or not (the $1,000 was not contingent on Barona Lilac winning – even if she only made $500 a month, the charities still received the $1,000). A video report by CTV News that profiled the Cheering For Charity program appears below.
Crowe has said that in honor of everything that Barona Lilac has done, the NSHRIA and Truro Raceway are going to host a retirement celebration in her honour on Sunday, January 15 at the track.
“We are inviting all of those organizations that have been involved with Lilac to join us at the grandstand for the races at 1 p.m.,” Crowe said. “During this card, we will have Lilac join us in the winner’s circle for a special presentation. After the races, people are invited down to the barn to visit with Lilac and for some cake to celebrate.”