Jockey settles brain-injury case for €500,000

A jockey who had sued a horse trainer over brain injuries he claimed he received as a result of a riding accident has settled his High Court action for more than €500,000.

Experienced jockey and father of three Anthony Meagher suffered serious injuries after he was struck in the head by the head of a horse when the animal collapsed while he was riding it.

He was employed at the time with South Tipperary-based trainer Thomas Keating.

Today's settlement was made without admission of liability.

Mr Meagher (aged 43), of Theresa Ahearne Close, Grange, Clonmel, brought an action claiming negligence and breach of duty against Mr Keating, a horse trainer and dealer of Nicholastown, Grange, Co Tipperary.

Mr Meagher's wife Martina also took an action for damages against Mr Keating.

Today, on what was the third day of the hearing, Ms Justice Mary Irvine was informed, following talks between the parties, that the matter had been settled.

The defence, represented by Mr Joseph McGettigan SC. had denied the claims and had also claimed contributory negligence.

Ms Justice Irvine said that she was happy to approve what she believed was "an excellent settlement" in a case that was fraught with difficulties.

Mr Liam Reidy SC for the Meaghers said that his clients had agreed to accept the settlement.

On December 11, 2003 Mr Meagher was riding a horse at Nicholastown in preparation for point-to-point races.

Mr Meagher came off the horse while bringing him down to a cantering field and suffered head injuries.

Mr Keating was driving behind the horse and had told Mrs Meagher that the back of the horse -an adult gelding - had "simply just collapsed" as it was trotting down the road. The horse was put down later that day because of a fractured leg.

It was claimed that evidence would have been given that the horse had sustained the fracture the previous day.

It was claimed that that one of the functions of the trainers was to monitor the horses as they were being trained. This is because the horses can suffer injuries during training.