Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation of SC Opens Wateree Facility

The Second Chances program at the Wateree River Correctional Institution officially opened in November in a ceremony that drew many from the nearby Camden horse community. The program is the first of its kind in South Carolina and only the fourth in the nation. Warden John Carmichael, now retired, teamed up with the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation of SC in 2003 to begin raising money for the facility. John Rainey, a philanthropist with a longtime interest in horses, was instrumental in raising the $250,000 needed to start the program. Rainey brought his gelding Hot Biscuit to the ceremony. Hot Biscuit is a descendant of Sea Biscuit, for whom the stabkles at Wateree are named.

The program is of tremendous benefit for all involved, both human and equine. It was created to teach inmates a skill and give racehorses a better life in retirement. The SCTOBA congratulates the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation on this tremendous accomplishment.