Yannuzzi v. Commonwealth

Opinion by

Judge Mencer,

This rather unusual case involves a dispute over an unwanted and allegedly lame horse named Free Puff. Free Puff’s owner, Sundance Stables, entered the horse in a “claiming race” on October 28, 1976. The entry of a horse in a claiming race is, in effect, an offer to sell the horse for its “entered prize.” See Rule of Racing 12.01. The “offer” is accepted by making a “claim,” i.e., by completing a claim form and depositing it in the appropriate box 15 minutes prior to the start of the race. Only registered owners of race horses or their licensed agents are authorized to…