Bios
Owner/Trainer, Tapeta™ Farm
Michael was born in England, where he was Champion Amateur Steeplechase Jockey and a Champion Steeplechase Trainer on three occasions. He began training in the United States in 1987 and Tapeta™ Farm in 1998. In addition to the accomplishments listed in his role of laurels, Michael's U.S. runners have captured over 80 stakes races and eight Grade 1 races.
Vice-President, Tapeta™ Footings, Inc.
Joan has spent a lifetime with horses and comes from a horse family. Like her sister, Joan was a successful show jumping rider in Great Britain, winning at The Royal Show and Hickstead. As an assistant trainer for 15 years and exercise rider, she has been integral to the success of 80 stakes winners.
As our vice president, Joan has been involved with the development of the Tapeta™ synthetic surface since the beginning and now
is owner of Tapeta Footings, Inc., along with Michael.
Quality Control and Maintenance Supervisor
Miguel, a bilingual native of Mexico, was the barn foreman at Tapeta™ Farm for 10 years and worked with the Tapeta™ track everyday and in all weather conditions. For the past 3 years, he has worked exclusively for Tapeta™ Footings, Inc and during that time, he has visited the Tapeta™ tracks all over the world with maintenance being his specialty.
Robert Weber
Farm Manager Tapeta™ Footings, Inc.
Robert Weber is our Farm Manager and the best synthetic track superintendent in the world. He has been here at Tapeta™ Farm for 9 years. He has kept the horses in training on the Tapeta™ Surface through temperature changes, good weather and bad. He has maintained the track in top performance shape with 12 inches of rain in an hour through Hurricanes, cold temperatures and extreme 110 degree heat.
Robert is available to answer any questions or offer advice on the best way to care and maintain a Tapeta™ Footings surface.