ABC defamation case in court
NSW racing boss Peter V’landys has never seen the episode of 7.30 he is suing over and may watch it for the first time as a judge scrutinises his reaction in court, his lawyer says.
Mr V’Landys, the chief executive of Racing NSW and NRL chairman, is suing the ABC and journalist Caro Meldrum-Hanna for defamation over the October 2019 broadcast he says painted him as a liar and someone who “callously permitted the wholesale slaughter” of horses.
The program, titled
The
Final Race, made serious allegations about retired thoroughbreds meeting a cruel end at knackeries in New South Wales and Queensland.
Mr V’landys gave an interview to the program, which he complains was spliced with graphic footage of horses being mistreated that he had not seen or been told about.
During a short preliminary hearing before Federal Court Justice Michael Wigney on Monday morning, ABC barrister Clarissa Amato said the fact Mr V’Landys had not viewed the program raised questions about his damages claim.
“He’s claiming damages for hurt feelings when he’s never seen the program,” she said.
Mr V’Landys’ barrister Bruce McClintock SC said even though Mr V’Landys hadn’t watched the episode, he was aware of its contents.
Mr McClintock said it might even help Justice Wigney to see Mr V’landys’ reaction in the witness box after he watches the footage in court.
The trial is scheduled for September.
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