NYRA asks court not to grant Rice temporary injunction on three-year suspension

The New York Racing Association argued in a court filing on Thursday that trainer Linda Rice should not be granted a temporary injunction that would allow her to continue to train while she appeals a three-year suspension.

The filing, a “friend of the court” brief, contends that Rice should be barred from NYRA’s three tracks while her appeal is heard because the association has “a unique and vital interest in ensuring the fairness and integrity of Thoroughbred racing” and “to protect its investment, brand, and reputation so that patrons have confidence that the sport of horse racing is conducted in an honest, fair, and safe manner.”

The New York Gaming Commission revoked Rice’s license earlier this year and barred her from applying for a license for three years on the grounds that she received privileged information from employees in NYRA’s racing office about which horses would be entered in races prior to entries being taken.

Rice appealed the ruling and was granted a preliminary injunction staying the revocation shortly after the ruling was issued. She is seeking an injunction that would remain in force throughout the appeals process.

:: Join DRF Bets and play the races with a $250 First Deposit Bonus. Click to learn more.

Rice has won several training titles at NYRA’s tracks and remains a prolific starter of horses, averaging nearly 500 starts a year over the past four years.

The case is being heard by the Supreme Court of New York, Schenectady County.