On behalf of the staff and board of Horse racing Alberta, we extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mara Coote-Freeman. Mara passed on away April 8 and she will be dearly missed.

Horse Racing Alberta has lost a great friend and a strong supporter. Mara Coote-Freeman 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 our 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 our 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 horse racing in Alberta. Our thoughts are with her husband Barry, her family, her horse family and her many friends.