Farm sues Va. horse trainer for breach of contract, negligence

CHARLES TOWN -- A Jefferson County farm is suing Virginia horse trainer after it claims she is not registered or licensed in West Virginia or Virginia.

Locust Knoll Farm entered into a contract with Jean Rofe for horse training and racing services, according to a complaint filed May 17 in Jefferson Circuit Court.

The farm claims Rofe does business under the name Rofe Racing, but that she is not registered or licensed in West Virginia or Virginia and continues to conduct business regardless.

Rofe performed horse training and racing services for the farm from Feb. 2, 2004, until May 27, 2008, according to the suit,

The farm claims it paid Rofe $465,154.50 between Dec. 1, 2005, and Nov. 8, 2007, for her services, but that she failed to properly perform the horse training and racing services as required by the contract.

Locust Knoll claims Rofe failed to train and race the horses in accordance with the standard and normal practices required of a horse trainer and failed to train and race the horses with the appropriate level of expertise required.

Locust Knoll is seeking damages in the amount of $465,154.50 for services paid and not rendered, $100,000 for the diminution in value of its horses and $100,000 in lost earnings, interest, costs, attorneys' fees and/or such other amounts the Court deems proper. It is being represented by Michael J. Novotny.

Jefferson Circuit Court case number: 10-C-169