New York State Gaming Commission postpones hearing on Linda Rice license

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – A hearing scheduled for Dec. 18 by the New York State Gaming Commission to discuss the possibility of revoking or suspending the license of trainer Linda Rice has been postponed until Feb. 26-27, according to a spokesperson for the commission. The commission is also holding March 3-4 as additional days for the hearing in case more time is needed.

The commission, according to a notice on its website, is deciding whether to take action on Rice’s license for what it calls “corrupt and improper acts in relation to racing.” Those acts include receiving the names and past performances of horses in advance of races Rice would potentially be entering before the races closed.

Also, the commission is investigating whether Rice “paid substantial sums of money to NYRA racing officials,” for that information, according to the notice. The time frame for these alleged actions is from the 2011-12 Aqueduct meet through 2015.

Rice has maintained her innocence and last month told Daily Racing Form she looked forward to answering the commission’s questions on this matter.