Linda L. Rice, born on March 7, 1964, has strong ties to Racine through her family background. Coming from a lineage of horse trainers, with her father and brothers involved in the sport, she earned her license as a Thoroughbred trainer in 1987. Throughout her career, she has trained multiple graded stakes winners.
Rice made history as the first woman in the modern era to secure a trainer’s title at a major U.S. racing circuit, winning the Saratoga Race Course title in 2009. She also claimed trainer titles at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park, and Laurel Park. Her horses have triumphed in significant races such as the Hopeful, Saratoga Special, and Sanford Stakes. In 2020, she reached her 2,000th career win, and in 2023, she set a single-year record for the most wins at New York Racing Association tracks.
During her career, Rice has faced sanctions, including fines and suspensions, related to scratching runners and paying for inside information. Despite these challenges, she continues to be active in the horse racing industry.
Rice’s connection to Racine is rooted in her birth and family history in the city. She has established a long-standing career as a trainer and bloodstock agent, impacting horse racing across multiple states. Her life reflects a deep commitment to the sport and ongoing ties to her hometown.
