Darci Sue Rice

Darci Sue Rice

2.19.1965 – 7.28.2024

Darci was born in Moline, Illinois to Edward A Rice and Jacqueline G (Rice) Winchell.  She graduated high school in 1983 from Sherrard High in Sherrard, Illinois.  She proceeded to attend Southern Illinois University on scholarship for softball and basketball.  She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology.

While in High School Darci enjoyed sports but was an avid equestrian.  Her sport of choice was barrel racing that lead her to an NFRA World Championship, AQHA Congress Championship and many other respectful barrel racing event championships.  Her father (Art) was a playful gambler and enjoyed purchasing her success through Calcutta events.

When her high school and college educations were complete Darci moved on to follow her life long dream of becoming a jockey.  She rode in many different states including but not limited to Florida, California, Pennsylvania, New York and her hometown track of Delaware, Delaware Park.  She rode for many trainers but her most prominent trainer was English Hall of Fame trainer. Jonathan Shepherd.  Jonathan took Darci “under his wing” and supported her with all his heart.  Darci learned to work hard, ride hard and win well.  She also learned many valuable lessons that supported her in achieving the coveted title as trainer.  Her most prized accomplishment was breeding, breaking and training her own thoroughbred  race horse “Had The Notion”.  This was a huge success and Darci won many races with her.

While living her Dream she found her soul mate, Dawn Smith.  They celebrated 24  years together and were married on 10.19.2013 by Darci’s mother in the paddock of Delaware Park.

Darci was preceded in death by her father Edward Artley Rice, and her mother in law Carrol Smith.

She is survived by her wife, Dawn Smith, mother Jacqueline G Winchell and father in law Randy Smith.

She is also survived by her sister; Deann Thoms(Rick Bross).  Nephews: Matt (Katya) Magee and Luke Thoms (Tim Ruszala) Niece: Lindsey (Jeremy) Womack and grandnieces and grandnephews: Jillian Womack, Jocelyn Womack, Jack Womack, James Womack, Augie Magee and Zina Magee.

Sister; Dawn(Chuck) Whitten, and their children Thomas Wade Whitten, and Charles Weston Whitten, MD (Kari) and their children Winston, Wyatt and Madeline.

Sister in law: Shelly (George) Bordley, nephew Kyle Kellner, nieces Emily, Natalie and Kelly Bordley.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to:

The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund

Pdjf.org