Odds-On: $80,000 Verdict Affirmed In Death Of Racehorse

LAPEER (AP) - The Michigan appeals court has affirmed an $80,000 verdict in the case of a racehorse that collapsed and died after being castrated by a veterinarian in Lapeer County.

A necropsy revealed that the 2-year-old horse, named Abundance Star, had a bad liver, which could have affected its ability to handle anesthesia. Owner Larry Elvin accused veterinarian Karl Gubert of failing to perform a proper physical. He denied it.

An expert looked at Abundance Star's pedigree and predicted the "doors were open for success" at the track. But an expert for the veterinarian testified that the horse hadn't raced yet. He said it was worth just $500.

The jury settled on $80,000. In a 3-0 decision this week, the appeals court says the verdict was within the range of evidence.

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