In 2009, she became the first woman to win a training title at a major track, achieving 20 victories at the renowned upstate New York venue. This triumph surpassed Todd Pletcher’s impressive stable, despite Rice’s horses making 75 starts compared to Pletcher’s 135.
Last summer, she added another milestone to her distinguished career by staging a remarkable comeback to tie Chad Brown for the Saratoga crown, each finishing with 35 wins. After trailing by five with just two days left in the meet, she clinched the tie by winning the final race of the 40-day event.
At 60, Rice downplayed her chances last July as well. However, this time she may be more realistic. Since committing to year-round racing in New York, she has enjoyed considerable success, but she finished second to Brown at the Belmont at the Big A spring-summer meet leading into Saratoga.
The differences between Rice’s operation and Brown’s are striking. She primarily seeks opportunities in the claiming ranks, while Brown focuses on achieving success with high-quality, expensive horses that excel in graded stakes, particularly on turf. Both trainers are subject to the unpredictable nature of racing.
Brown has indicated he will keep horses off the track this summer rather than risk them in claiming races for less than their worth.
Despite these challenges, Rice is confident that Saratoga retains its prestigious status. Regardless of what this year brings, Rice is proud of the history she has made in a sport that remains predominantly male.