Taylor vs Gural: Defamation, Antitrust and a Harness Racing Showdown

Howard Taylor, one of North America’s most prolific harness racing owners, is embroiled in a legal and industry standoff after being excluded from racing at Gural-owned tracks and Hambletonian Society events (with limited exceptions), prompting a lawsuit alleging defamation and antitrust violations.

To read some of the background to this harness racing lawsuit, click here.

In the latest news on this case, a federal judge has ruled on Gural’s motion to dismiss — allowing several key claims to proceed, including defamation, antitrust, and unfair competition. Gural sought reconsideration of the ruling as it related to an antitrust claim, and the court reaffirmed its ruling that an antitrust claim against Gural will go forward. 

The court’s rulings demonstrate that Taylor plausibly alleged that Gural’s public accusations about Taylor are defamatory, plausibly alleged that Gural interfered with Taylor’s contractual relationships in a manner that caused actual harm, and plausibly alleged that the ban of Judith Taylor triggered antitrust concerns.

To view the two court opinions for reference, click on the links below.

Order Denying Motion for Reconsideration

Opinion Signed By

From Harnesslink Media