The ongoing dispute between football club Manchester United's manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, and Irish racing tycoon Mr John Magnier relating to stud fees from the racehorse Rock of Gibraltar came briefly before the High Court yesterday.

Neither Sir Alex nor Mr Magnier, who holds a substantial shareholding in Manchester United, was in court when a motion relating to the proceedings was struck out.

The motion, brought by lawyers for Mr Magnier, had sought particulars or more details of Mr Ferguson's claim concerning the stud fees.

Mr Justice Kevin O'Higgins was told by Mr David Barniville, for Mr Magnier, that the motion could be struck out with costs to Mr Magnier.

The judge said he would make that order.

The motion was brought to assist in the preparation of legal papers for the main action over the stud fees for the horse.

The main action is unlikely to be heard for several months and maybe not until next year.

In the motion before the court yesterday, the Magnier side sought an order under the rules of the Superior Courts directing Sir Alex to furnish particulars of the claim.

Those particulars were first sought by Mr Magnier's solicitors through a notice for particulars dated December 22nd, 2003.

Details of what particulars are being sought in that notice were not disclosed in court yesterday.

An order was also sought that, in the event of failure to furnish the particulars sought within the time limited by the court, the Ferguson claim would be struck out.