SAHorseracing.COM chatted with one of the foremost experts on synthetic tracks, Sarah Hosmer. Based in the UK, the well travelled, Hosmer, is one of those Ladies at the forefront of the changing nature of track surfaces. She has recently branched out into her own consultancy business on the subject. She is this week's featured Lady in Racing.. 

What is your involvement in racing?

As well as being a big supporter of racing as a social activity my main exposure has come through the medium of sand. Make that expensive, carefully engineered sand which, with some other carefully chosen ingredients, provides the racing industry with an indispensable training tool and reliable racing surface. The brand names of these synthetic surfaces (Polytrack, Tapeta and Pro-ride) will be familiar with most people in racing; they have their supporters and detractors but they also offer a strong purpose. Working with my previous company I managed the racing division which involved sales, project management, installation (yes, even driving a dump truck) and maintenance. I have recently started a new chapter and created my own consultancy company which aims to offer constructive, reliable and independent advice and services to the synthetic or ‘all-weather’ surface industry.

Do you come from a racing background?

No, I’m a farmer’s daughter but my mother was a youth team international showjumper so I think I sat on a horse before I was born! Horses are in my blood and I decided that finding a career which involved my passion was the ideal path. I completed the International Equine & Agricultural Business Management degree at the Royal Agricultural University and this helped me focus my attention to horse racing in particular.

Was it hard to enter the racing industry?

I was very lucky that as part of my degree I had to complete a 6 month work placement within an industry of our choice. I ended up working for Martin Collins Enterprises, the pioneer of the Polytrack surface, which in turn led me to writing my dissertation on the use of synthetic surfaces in racing. After leaving university I was asked back to Martin Collins and the rest is history as they say – I worked there for 12 years in total, but headed up the racing division for 7. Then last year I decided it was time for a life change, which led me to the idea of my new company.

In which countries have you worked?

Over the years, I have worked with clients based in 5 different continents; spending extended amounts of time in Australia, mainland Europe and South Africa. I have also been lucky enough to operate in Singapore, Hong Kong, the Middle East and Turkey. I am grateful that English is widely spoken, however it is also quite amazing how far you can get with some well-practiced actions and drawings!

Where is the best location in the world that you have worked?

That would be telling!! It’s actually too hard to choose. I’ve been very fortunate to work in some fantastic places, and that’s something that I have never taken for granted. Be it at the foot of the Blue Mountains in Sydney, the heat of the desert sun in Dubai or the crisp winter’s morning in Newmarket there’s something special about seeing horses working as the sun rises.

What ignited the spark in you to start a new business venture?

I’d made the decision that I wanted to rebalance my work and private life and unfortunately that meant having to leave my previous job to achieve that. I took a bit of time away from the industry, which was good for me, but it also gave me some space to think. I kept coming back to the fact that the client, and of course the horse, should be at the centre of what is being done and wondering how this could be improved. The purchase of a product is a big decision and often an expensive one; the need for ongoing support is clear. I think in big businesses this focus can sometimes get forgotten.

I identified that there was an opportunity in the market for a business that would focus on the pre and post installation process, be that on an arena or a racetrack. The scope is entirely different but to the end client, the importance is the same. As a Consultant, I want to help people understand the various options available; Sound Footings Ltd can offer 3 main dynamics to a client-: project management, maintenance training and technical analysis, ensuring that they get the best out of their investment. There’s currently limited science used in this field and I think it’s a really important factor to include alongside practical requirements. Offering ongoing health checks of products gives a snap shot of the condition of the material and what the future may require, which should limit any nasty surprises – a bit like a MOT for a car. Plus I think I’m a closet chemist at heart!

What motivates you?

I enjoy working with people and horses, and the fact that two days are never the same. It sounds clichéd but I want to do a good job for a client. I like the feeling of knowing that a job has been done well and to the satisfaction of all; and you’re only as good as your last job so you need to keep the standards high. 

Sarah can be contacted on her website

Soundfootingsltd.co.uk