Trainer Don Rice, who was recently injured at his Central Florida farm, died Jan. 6 at a Gainesville hospital, Tampa Bay Downs has reported. He was 72.
Rice was injured Jan. 3 at his Antigo Ranch near Anthony, Fla. There were no witnesses to the incident. Initial law enforcement reports speculated he may have been kicked in the head by a horse, but Rice's daughter, Paula Williams, told Daily Racing Form it is believed her father was struck by a gate after a horse had broken through it.
The horseman was found unconscious and airlifted to the Shands at the University of Florida Hospital in Gainesville, where he succumbed to his injuries.
An eight-time leading trainer Tampa Bay Downs, Rice set the single meet mark of 44 winners in the 2001-2002 meet.
Funeral services are scheduled to be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 11 at Hier's Funeral Home in Ocala, the track reported.
Don Rice
