On behalf of the staff and board of Horse Racing Alberta, HRA has announced that it would like to extend its deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Mara Coote-Freeman, who passed away on Wednesday, April 8 and will be missed greatly.
Horse Racing Alberta has lost a great friend and a strong supporter. Mara was a keen horsewoman, and she was an integral part of the Olds College racetrack programs. As an instructor and mentor, she helped guide many of graduates through the exercise rider program. Mara’s commitment to the students lasted beyond their time at the Olds College. Mara attended graduations, award ceremonies and was part of the development of the International Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA). Through her role with IFHRA, she was able to cheer on graduates in races in Abu Dhabi, Italy, and Spain.
Mara was appointed to the Horse Racing Alberta Board in 2018 as a Public Member and was Chair of the Strategic Growth & Sustainable Development Committee. Mara was devoted to her role and showed incredible passion and strength. She was full of ideas and energy and wanted the best for all of the people and horses in our sport. Mara was an advocate for lifelong learning, safety, and horse welfare. She was also a fountain of marketing suggestions and was committed to the formation of the industry Marketing Committee.
We will miss Mara’s strength, her deep chuckle, her wit and her creativity. We will also miss her commitment to racing in Alberta. Our thoughts are with her husband, Barry, her family, her horse family and her many friends.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Mara Coote-Freeman.
(HRA)