The former purchaser of the “breeding rights” to Kentucky Derby winner REAL QUIET purchased his “racing qualities” in 2000. The 2000 agreement provided that the horse was sold “as is” and with no representation or warranties concerning the physical condition of the colt. The purchaser later sued the seller, trainer, and a veterinarian asserting various claims, including breach of contract and fraud, after REAL QUIET manifested a tendon injury after his arrival in Kentucky. The Court held that the purchaser could not assert “tort claims” such as fraud, under the “economic loss doctrine.” That doctrine provides that in sales governed by the UCC and involving purely economic losses as opposed to personal injuries, a party is bound by the contract and generally is limited to only contract claims. The Court also held that there was no breach of contract and dismissing the purchaser’s claims in this horse sales case under the “economic loss doctrine.”
