A lawsuit filed in Nelson Circuit Court in Kentucky by multiple parties claims Creech Horse Transportation negligently killed and injured several racehorses while en route from Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots to Keeneland last year.
The one-vehicle wreck occurred on Bluegrass Parkway in Kentucky near Bardstown, Ky., about 50 miles from Keeneland, its destination. The complaint alleges the truck and trailer slammed into a stone wall after the driver fell asleep; alleges Creech gave false assurances there would be two drivers for the long haul; and that Creech falsely claimed the driver, Guy A. Landmeier, was in compliance with driver regulations governing his time of service and wait time between hauls. Plaintiffs are seeking at least $3 million in compensatory damages as well as punitive damages for misrepresentation and gross negligence.
Among the plaintiffs are known racing figures and businesses Eddie Kenneally, Castleton Lyons, and Shaun McCarthy. The suit says Landmeier was driving the truck.
The case, first reported by Thoroughbred Daily News, was filed in late September. A notice of removal to federal court was later filed by Creech based on that court’s jurisdiction when plaintiffs and defendants are based in different states, called diversity jurisdiction in legal circles.
A police report filed with the complaint says Landmeier “left the roadway…traveling eastbound through the median and westbound lane and entering a field between the on ramp and Parkway” and that the driver “did not know what happened.”
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A trial by jury is demanded.
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