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| Staff Writer |
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State regulators in New York revoked the license of Thoroughbred trainer Linda Rice for her role in what officials say was a "corrupt" scheme to gain an edge with her horses by obtaining the names of entries in races before the cards became final.
The New York State Gaming Commission also fined Rice $50,000 and said she cannot re-apply for a license for three years.
The vote by the commissioners, who oversee racing policy and enforcement in New York, was 5-0.
The ruling came five months after a marathon hearing officer process involving dozens of exhibits and 15 witnesses into the Rice matter. The hearing officer, Clark Petschek, said in an April report to the gaming commission that Rice engaged in intentional and "corrupt" conduct to gain confidential information on horses entered in a race.
Three years ago, it was alleged Rice made payments to New York Racing Association officials in order to obtain names of horses entered in upcoming races. The commission previously revoked the licenses of a NYRA racing clerk and a jockey agent.
Rice, a trainer for 35 years and the only woman to capture the trainer's award at Saratoga Race Course, has denied wrongdoing. Her attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.