Trainer Linda Rice enjoyed a remarkable day at Aqueduct Racecourse on Thursday, January 22nd, securing five wins out of the eight races she entered, along with three second-place finishes. “I thought he had a chance, but I saw another horse on the card that seemed likely to place third,” Reverend Rice remarked. “Racing truly is a humbling sport.”
Rice is currently leading the Aqueduct Winter Meet trainer standings with 20 wins, holding a substantial 14-win advantage over Brad Cox. Last year, she served as the head trainer for the New York Racing Association (NYRA), finishing the season with a record 172 wins. She also claimed top trainer honors during last winter, spring, and fall meets at Suidobashi.
“I’m focusing my stable in New York, aiming to concentrate on local racing,” Rice said. “Winter racing here has been beneficial, and I’m excited about the upcoming move to the new Belmont.”
Rice achieved a natural hat-trick beginning with race two, where Always Practical ($12.12), ridden by Sahin Shivashi, won the six-furlong starter allowance by half a length over stablemate Shearwill. In race three, Adventurist ($5.74) won the nine-furlong route with Shiversi and Rice returning to victory. Sweetest Princess ($6.62) claimed race four by 2 3/4 lengths in a one-turn mile state option claimer under Jose Lezcano’s guidance.
In race six, Vino Frizzante ($4.02) dominated Chocolate Chocolate by 3 1/2 lengths in the seven-furlong Creme Tilt, with Rezcano onboard. The finale saw With the Angels ($3.38), a New York native and multiple stakes winner, win race eight, a six-furlong half-option claimer, by stalking the leaders and delivering Lezcano his third win of the day.
“She displayed more speed today,” Lezcano noted. Rezcano and Rice previously earned five wins on a single card on April 4, 2024, at Aqueduct. “There were two front-runners, and I was comfortable holding my position behind them. When I asked her, she kept responding and secured the win.”
Rezcano praised Rice, saying, “She is an exceptional trainer, and all the horses performed well today. The previous winner was a very good filly; I’m delighted with the victory.”
Rice indicated With the Angels will likely aim for a $135,000 local race, a six-furlong sprint for older mares set for March 1. “I was really pleased with how everything unfolded today,” Rice said. “The pace setup was perfect for her style—close behind the speed, stalking, and then closing strong. We’re planning to move on to that race.”
Live racing continues at Aqueduct with an eight-race card on Friday, starting at 12:40 pm ET. America’s Day at the Races offers live coverage and analysis during the Aqueduct Winter Games on FOX Sports. For channel info and broadcast times, visit https://www.nyra.com/aqueduct/racing/tv-schedule.
NYRA Bets is the official platform to place wagers on Aqueduct races, accessible nationwide via iOS and Android apps at www.NYRABets.com.
This article originally appeared in the Paulick Report on January 22, 2026.
Fan Take: Linda Rice’s dominance at Aqueduct showcases her mastery and consistency, crucial traits that inspire confidence among racing fans and competitors alike. Her success reflects the competitive spirit of horse racing and promises exciting developments as the new Belmont season approaches.
