In recognition of Michael Dickinson’s innovations to improve horse racing safety, the University of Louisville’s Equine Industry Program named him the 33rd recipient of the John W. Galbreath Award for Outstanding Entrepreneur in Business Horse Industry.
Dickinson has dedicated his life to being deeply involved in the horse industry, first as a trainer and tower jockey, and as a Thoroughbred (flat racing) trainer. ), and most recently as a track surface innovator. Over the past two decades, Dickinson has developed and improved Tapeta Footings, an all-weather composite designed to improve safety for both riders and riders.
“I am honored and proud to receive the Galbreath Award,” Dickinson said. “The safety of horses has always been my long-term goal since I was a kid when, on ponies, I had to keep up with my mother, who was participating in the A-Class International Diving Competition. We used to jump poles and fence rails, some with gutters and stone walls. Since then, I’ve always felt very grateful and indebted to all the horses I’ve ridden.”
A native of Yorkshire, England, Dickinson was a jockey and champion tower trainer before becoming a successful Thoroughbred coach on his UK flat. Since coming to the United States. In 1987, he won over 80 bet races in the US and Canada. In 2000, he led all New York-based coaches with a win rate of 35% from the start. One of his biggest achievements in coaching was helping Da Hoss, 1996 Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1T) winner win a repeat of that race’s 1998 renewal at Churchill Downs after a single preparatory race to get out of a two-year layoff.
Dickinson is a member of the Obstacle Hall of Fame and has four lists in the Guinness Book of World Records, including the record for most wins in a day at the age of 12.
In 1996, Dickinson began building his own Thoroughbred training facility, Tapeta Ranch, in Maryland, using the most advanced technology in equine care and breeding. Not satisfied with the racetrack platforms available, he began developing Tapeta Footings, now recognized as a safe, all-weather synthetic surface for racing and training purebred dogs.
“Focusing on the safety of equine athletes and people is paramount in today’s horse racing,” said Michele Fischer, president of racing and gaming consulting firm Darting Star. “Michael has demonstrated a willingness to take personal and career risks in developing a new racing surface. Initially, he was met with great reluctance by an industry that refused to change. He continued to improve the science and today Tapeta surfaces are installed at racetracks and training centers around the world.”
Tapeta 10, the latest version of Tapeta Footings, has dramatically reduced equine mortality and outperforms conventional grass and ground surfaces. Tapeta Surface has been installed at Race Park in Kentucky and at Gulfstream Park In Florida, Golden Gate Fields in California, and Presque Isle Downs in Pennsylvania as well as facilities in Canada, Australia, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.
“We are delighted to present the 2022 Galbreath Prize to Michael Dickinson for his contributions to motorsport through the creation of Tapeta and synthetic racing surfaces,” said K. Amy Lawyer, assistant professor and chair of UofL’s Department of Equine Management. “The essence of the Galbreath Awards is to recognize the entrepreneurial and innovative efforts that propel the equestrian industry forward. Mr. Dickinson’s entrepreneurial achievements have added a new element to the sport most of the time. as unchanged for centuries.”
The recipients of the Galbreath Prize are selected by a committee of faculty members at the Forcht Center for Entrepreneurship at the UofL College of Business.
This press release has been edited by BloodHorse Staff for content and style.
