The Frank Y. Whiteley Collection

During Horse Racing Hall of Fame Trainer Frank Whiteley’s (1915-2008) legendary career, the Camden resident trained four champion thoroughbreds - Damascus, Tom Rolfe, Forego, and Ruffian.  This exhibit examines Whiteley’s forty-nine years as one of the foremost trainers of Thoroughbreds in the United States.   Artifacts include trophies, photographs, prints, and tack.

Whiteley (1915-2008) was born and raised in Maryland where his training career began in 1936.  His first champion was Tom Rolfe, winner of the Preakness Stakes and American Champion Three-Year-Old Male Horse in 1965.  In 1967, Whiteley trained Damascus, the Horse of the Year who won 21 races in 32 lifetime starts.  Whiteley took charge of Ruffian in 1974.  Ruffian, winner of ten of her eleven starts, was the U. S. Champion Two-Year-Old Filly (1974), Champion Three-Year-Old Filly (1975), and the Triple Tiara Champion in 1975.   Also in the 1970s, Whiteley took over the training of Forego, winner of eight Eclipse Awards including three-time Horse of the Year. 

In 1965, Whiteley began using Marion duPont Scott's training center in Camden during the winter months.  This encouraged other trainers to follow suit and, in recognition of his contribution to the Thoroughbred racing industry and to the economy of Camden, city council honored him with "Frank Whiteley Day."  In 2003, the Governor of South Carolina awarded him the Order of the Palmetto, the state's highest civilian honor.