Jockey Faces Lawsuit in Kentucky for Alleged Breach of Duty at Churchill Downs

Jockey Luan Machado is facing legal action after allegedly easing up on his mount, Hold My Bourbon, before the finish line in a Churchill Downs race on November 28, 2023. The lawsuit, filed in Jefferson Circuit Court by Gray V Train Racing and Westbrook Stables, claims that Machado breached his contract and demonstrated professional negligence by failing to ride the horse with full effort to the finish.

This incident has sparked significant discussion about the legal obligations of jockeys and the potential consequences of failing to meet professional racing standards.

The Incident and Stewards’ Ruling

According to race footage and steward reports, Hold My Bourbon held a 2 1/2-length lead with a furlong remaining in the one-mile race before Machado appeared to ease up and pat the horse on the neck just before the wire. This allowed Lightline, another competitor, to overtake Hold My Bourbon and claim victory by a neck.

As a result, Machado was fined $1,000 and suspended for four racing days for “easing up on his mount approaching the finish without adequate cause.” This was Machado’s second offense, having received a previous suspension and a $2,500 fine for a similar incident at Keeneland in October 2023.

Legal Claims Against Machado

The plaintiffs, Gray V Train Racing and Westbrook Stables, argue that Machado’s actions directly resulted in financial losses, including $47,560 in lost purse money and $3,000 in Kentucky Thoroughbred Breeders Incentive Funds. Additionally, they claim that Hold My Bourbon’s potential value, as well as the reputation and business interests of Westbrook Stables, suffered due to the horse’s second-place finish instead of a win.

Attorney Andre Regard, representing the plaintiffs, argues that Machado had a contractual duty to ride with reasonable diligence and that his failure to do so constitutes both a breach of contract and professional negligence. The complaint cites the stewards’ ruling as evidence that Machado’s actions did not meet the expected professional standard. Furthermore, it alleges that Machado admitted to the plaintiffs that he was negligent in pulling up early without cause.

Legal Implications and Precedents

This case raises broader questions about the legal responsibilities of jockeys and the extent to which horse owners and breeders can hold them accountable for race outcomes. Key legal considerations include:

1. Contractual Obligations: As professional athletes, jockeys are typically employed under contracts that outline performance expectations. If a jockey’s actions are deemed negligent or in violation of those terms, they may be held financially responsible for losses incurred by owners and breeders. 
2. Professional Negligence: The plaintiffs argue that Machado’s actions constitute professional negligence, meaning he failed to meet the expected standard of care for his profession. Similar to malpractice claims in other industries, establishing negligence requires proving that the jockey’s conduct deviated from the accepted norms within horse racing. 
3. Precedent for Racing Litigation: While lawsuits involving race outcomes are relatively rare, this case could set a precedent for holding jockeys legally accountable for decisions made during a race. The outcome may influence future legal actions against jockeys and how racing contracts are structured to protect owners’ and breeders’ interests.

What’s Next?

Machado has 20 days to respond to the lawsuit, which seeks a jury trial. His defense may argue that race decisions are made in the heat of the moment and that proving causation—that his actions directly resulted in financial loss—could be difficult. Additionally, the defense may challenge the scope of contractual obligations, questioning whether a jockey’s performance can be subject to litigation under these circumstances.

As this case unfolds, it will provide insight into the intersection of sports law and professional racing. Regardless of the outcome, the legal battle underscores the high stakes involved in the horse racing industry and the complex legal relationships between jockeys, owners, and breeders.

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Contact us today for a consultation at 859-281-1318 or via our contact form and let us help you navigate the complexities of equine litigation.