Keeneland Files $2.2-Million Lawsuit

Keeneland is suing Bradley McDonald of New Zealand for $2,259,624 after he failed to pay for horses he purchased at the Kentucky-based company's 2003 September yearling sale. The figure includes late charges, according to Keeneland vice president Harvie Wilkinson.

"He defaulted, and we sued; it's a straight collection case," said Wilkinson, who described McDonald as an agent and horse owner.

Since McDonald didn't buy the yearlings in his name, The Blood-Horse could not determine the exact amount spent by McDonald or the identities of the yearlings purchased. Requests to Keeneland to obtain the information weren't answered immediately.

Wilkinson said Keeneland had not decided what to do with the horses, which are at a Central Kentucky farm.