Born and raised in Camden, South Carolina, Frank Wooten has become one of the most highly sought-after horse trainers in the Camden region. We were recently able to catch up with Frank at his Camden Training Center stables and chatted with him about his favorite moments as a thoroughbred trainer and his passion for the industry.
Q: Hi, Frank! Thanks for taking the time to talk with us. Could you tell us a little about early career and what brought you to The Camden Training Center?
A: Sure! I was born and raised in Camden, and in my early career I worked for various trainers at the training center, so it was a natural transition for me to make when the time came to settle down somewhere.
Q: And we’re lucky to have had you in the CTC family in different capacities for so long! Did you opt to staying in this area after you began pursuing thoroughbred training for yourself, because you believe Camden to be the optimal area to train and break thoroughbreds?
A: Absolutely; and the Camden Training Center is ideal due to the numerous training options including the turf course, the woods gallop, and the polo field and tracks.
Q: This is probably a difficult question to answer, but could you tell us what your favorite part of training horses is; and what you consider to be your greatest accomplishment as a trainer?
A: That is a hard question but one of the best parts of this job, in my opinion, is spending time with the horses to learn their individual unique personalities, strengths, and weaknesses. As far as my greatest accomplishments are concerned, I would be hard pressed to identify one single accomplishment, but I am exceptionally proud of having broken and trained Breeders Cup and Eclipse Award winner, Action This Day.
Q: Is there anything that people who are unfamiliar or not involved with the thoroughbred training or racing industries that you’d like them to know?
A: I’ve always thought about racehorses like children; they mature at different rates and each one is an individual. That is why training each horse requires different practices . . . what works for one may not work for another. But it is always rewarding when you get the opportunity to watch them put it all together and succeed in great ways!
Q: OK, last question: do you really love your job as much as it seems like you do?
A: Yes, absolutely. We get to teach and train young horses, and it is so rewarding to see their successes and failures. And fortunately, we are in the position to help them find second careers when necessary!
Visit Frank Wooten Stables online at www.frankwootenstables.com and they can be contacted at (803) 425-5714.
