There was quite a lot going on at 3 o’clock in the barn on this hot and humid, Maryland Thursday afternoon. It came across very quickly that Michael is a boss who knows how to talk to his staff, who he makes plans and interacts with in a collaborative and mutually respectful fashion. And they clearly enjoy working for Michael. The manner in which he introduced me to his help individually, when some trainers would not have done so, made it clear to them and myself that he wants them to be aware that they are integral to his success. Any strangers visiting out of the blue are as much their business as his.

It is impossible not to be impressed by Tapeta Farm and its facilities. Three turf tracks, each with a different level of consistency and cushion for different weather situations, (including the “Noah’s Ark” turf track for extremely wet weather), are complemented by a 7.5 furlong Tapeta track and a warm up track. The farm’s 250 acres has a 40 stall barn, 50 acres for moveable grazing, an abundance of immaculately maintained paddocks for daily turnout, a large indoor horse exerciser, a spa, a treadmill and an outdoor swimming pool. No attention to detail is spared. Even the water system for the main training barn is set up to make the horse’s drinking water possess the same qualities, components and ph that they will drink when they arrive at one of the dozen or so racetracks within 60 to 120 minutes drive of the farm.

After saying hello to Pamina, a beautiful looking Street Cry filly who had just won a Grade III Stakes race at Woodbine, I sat down with Michael to talk about his career, how he came to America, and of course, Tapeta racing surfaces.