Elfriede Stronach, affectionately known as Frieda within the Thoroughbred community, passed away in Canada on March 26 at the age of 81, as reported by the Austrian news outlet Kleine Zeitung.
As one of the pioneering figures in Canadian horse racing, she stood as the owner of Stronach Stables and Adena Springs alongside her husband, the billionaire Frank Stronach. The news of her passing reverberated as a profound shock throughout the racing world.
Born Elfriede Sallmutter in Weiz, Styria, she crossed paths with her future husband on a skiing excursion, and their companionship endured for six decades. The couple, parents to Andrew and Belinda, and grandparents to three, shared a deep involvement in the equestrian pursuits that captured Frank's passion. Their joint efforts led to the breeding of numerous mares, yielding stakes winners across the globe, with operations spanning farms in Aurora, ON, Lexington, KY, and Ocala, FL. Frieda played an integral role in nurturing her husband's racing endeavours, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
Frieda, who preferred to maintain a low profile, was consistently described as graceful, grounded, and reserved, with a profound affection for horses. Whether involving hundreds of barn staff in naming the young horses, strategising matings, or enthusiastically supporting their homebred runners at the track, Frieda's passion for racing and breeding was evident.
The Stronachs have bred numerous champions and stakes winners, amassed numerous accolades, and managed racetracks across the United States. While Frank and Belinda remained active in both business and politics, Frieda remained closer to the Aurora headquarters, overseeing the expansive farm adjacent to Frank's Magna auto parts conglomerate.
In 2004, Frieda initiated the Adena Springs Retirement programme at the Aurora farm, dedicated to retraining retired racehorses from the farm. Frieda meticulously reviewed applications from prospective adoptive owners before placing the horses, ensuring they found suitable homes.
The Stronach family encountered turbulent times in recent years, notably when Frank and Frieda initiated legal proceedings against their daughter Belinda, resulting in a division of their business interests. As a result, the horses and farms remained under the stewardship of Frank and Frieda, while Belinda assumed control of the racetracks.
In recent times, Frieda was frequently spotted at Woodbine alongside farm manager Sean Smullen and other associates, enthusiastically supporting Adena Springs runners.
The realm of horse racing in Ontario and beyond will undoubtedly feel the absence of Frieda Stronach.