A STABLE jockey with the trainer, Mr Dermot Weld, has been awarded £88,527 in damages in settlement of a personal injuries claim.
Mr Anthony O'Connor (36) of Longwood, Enfield, Co Meath, took the action against Mr Weld, Rosewell Lodge, The Curragh, Co Kildare.
The High Court in Dundalk heard that while employed by Mr Weld, the plaintiff was exercising a horse at the Curragh Gallops on July 21st, 1990, when it had reared up, causing Mr O'Connor to fall.
The horse fell on top of him and it was claimed he had suffered a brain injury as well as depression, dysphasia and loss of memory.
Mr Eoghan Fitzsimons SC, for Mr O'Connor, said his client could still not write properly, has forgotten three languages he spoke before the accident and became withdrawn.
Mr Jack Philips, consultant neuro surgeon, said Mr O'Connor remembers someone shouting at him when the horse fell on him and his next clear memory is of coming to in hospital two weeks later.
He concluded the plaintiff had suffered significant post traumatic amnesia compatible with a brain injury.
He had suffered a bruise to the brain resulting in two weeks amnesia, weakness in the right side of his body and a language disorder. Despite this, he had made a remarkable recovery.
Mr Justice Carney said he found in favour of Mr O'Connor on the issue of liability and he agreed special damages of £13,527. He assessed general damages, taking into account the remarkable recovery from serious injuries, at £75,000.