Courts / Waterford / Report

Olympic showjumping trainer claims she owns 50% of valuable horses

Date
2020-07-09

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Waterford

Summary

An Italian woman, Ms Martina Romagnoli, is sued by former lover Jose Alfredo Hernandez Ortega and his company Leeston Enterprises SA for moving two valuable horses to Ireland. Ortega claims ownership of the grey stallion Milton, pre‑selected for Belgium's Olympic team, and the gelding Diego, slated for the European Championships, each worth €4‑4.5 m. The High Court granted Ortega a temporary injunction preventing sale or removal of the horses. The case involves Romagnoli's Irish companies, alleged to run Bunmahon Sporthouse Stud, and Ballinasisla Stud Ltd, owned by Richard Fitzgerald, who is also secretary of Romagnoli's companies. Ortega alleges the horses were taken to Ireland to escape his control. Romagnoli claims 50 % ownership of each horse and opposes appointing receivers, arguing it would damage her reputation. The judge adjourned the matter, directed parties to secure insurance, and to keep the horses' passports during proceedings.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Olympic showjumping trainer claims she owns 50% of valuable horses. Charges or matters: movement of two valuable horses to Ireland; secretary of Ms Romagnoli's Irish registered companies. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

2020-07-09 Publication

Why: Counsel said that while an application to have the dispute admitted to the fast track commercial court list will be made, it was hoped that given that past relationship between the parties and because they have a child together, mediation might be considered. CNI source report