LEADING figures in the horse world were in the High Court in Belfast yesterday for a libel action, involving two of the sport's best known personalities, which was settled after talks between lawyers.
Mr James Nicholson, chairman of Down Royal Racecourse, was suing Ms Suzy Armstrong, of Beechfield Stud, Drumbeg, near Lisburn, Co Antrim, for damages over an article in the News Letter.
The publishers, Century Newspapers Ltd, and the editor, Mr Geoffrey Martin, were also sued by Mr Nicholson, a wine merchant from Crossgar, Co Down.
The article appeared in the paper's "Equestrian World" section in July 1994, under the headline: "Thumbs down for Jim as Suzy keeps her seat." It appeared soon after Ms Armstrong was appointed as Northern Ireland representative on the Irish Horseracing Authority.
The settlement was announced by Mr Michael Lavery QC, who appeared for Mr Nicholson. Mr Lavery said a condition of the terms was that a statement was to be read in court by counsel for Ms Armstrong. In it, Ms Armstrong said she had not intended reported remarks by her to cast any reflection on the character of Mr Nicholson and she apologised for the "considerable distress" caused.
Mr Alan Comerton QC, who appeared for Century Newspapers, and the editor of the News Letter, said he was instructed to associate his clients with the remarks contained in the statement.