Erin Molan will donate winnings to charity

An accidental choice of words and a random tweet have landed Channel 9 personality Erin Molan in a place she never thought she would be. Molan is now the proud owner of two-year-old harness racing filly Long Legs Lou, whose winnings will be donated to Bowel Cancer Australia (bowelcancer australia.org).

The Footy Show panellist is an ambassador for Bowel Cancer Australia after her older sister Sarah Sutton battled the illness several years ago.

Molan will race the regally-bred filly through the stables of leading Queensland horseman Grant Dixon.

The offer to race the filly was put forward by harness racing benefactors Kevin and Kay Seymour.

It came about after Molan backed a winner at the trots and gave the “jockey” a wrap to her 100,000 followers on social media.

“The tweet got a bit of attention when harness racing people replied and quickly told me that in harness racing it was a driver, not a jockey,” Molan said.

“Then out of the blue I got an offer from Kevin Seymour to race this filly.

“Every cent she earns will go to Bowel Cancer Australia and that is something I am really passionate about.’’

Molan interviewed her sister Sarah in an emotional piece for The Footy Showin 2015, which was recognised by the Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand media award.

Bowel cancer is Australia’s second-biggest cancer killer.

It is estimated that about 17,500 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year.

Sarah Sutton has recovered well but Molan is determined to continue to raise awareness of bowel cancer, encouraging people to be aware of symptoms and have them checked.

Molan has owned several thoroughbred racehorses but this is her first dabble in the harness racing industry.

She has no family racing background but her racing passion was spawned after a few winning greyhound bets.

“I loved punting on the greyhounds and then I fell in love with watching horse racing,” she says.

“I am so excited about having this harness racing filly and hopefully she can live up to what her breeding says she should be able to achieve.”

The Bettors Delight/Rich Heritage youngster is by Australasia’s leading sire out of one of the best mares in the studbook.

Courtesy of Ben Dorries, The Trot Spot, The Courier-Mail

Reprinted with permission of the Courier Mail