Court Rules That Rice Suspension is Unwarranted

[Wandering Eyes]

The New York Gaming Commission's three-year ban of trainer Linda Rice is “entirely unwarranted,” according to a decision handed down Thursday by the New York Supreme Court's Appellate Division (Third Department). The decision was unanimous.

The Gaming Commission fined Rice $50,000 fine and revoked her license for three years on May 17, 2021 after investigating claims that Rice received favorable treatment from the NYRA racing office and that the racing office was releasing to her the names and past performances of horses that had already been entered in races. Rice appealed the decision, which allowed her to continue training after the ruling. Rice's attorney Andrew Turro had argued that it was not unusual for the racing department to reveal such information to trainers, Rice included.

“Finally, petitioner argues, and we agree, that the penalty of a three-year revocation of her license is so disproportionate to the offense and shockingly unfair as to constitute and abuse of discretion as a matter of law,” the ruling read.

The court also noted that Rice's gender may have been a part of the story.

“Not to be overlooked is that petitioner is the only trainer ever disciplined by respondent for this rule violation–a troublesome point given that petitioner is the only female trainer ever to win a training title at a New York track.”

Though the court ruled in her favor, Rice may still have to pay the $50,000 fine.

“…while we and petitioner take no issue with the monetary penalty, we remit the matter to respondent to reassess the penalty.”

This story will be updated.

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