Veterinarian sues trainer for winnings Man claims half-ownership of racehorse

ALFRED – All Star Edition was a big winner at Maine harness racing tracks in 1999 and 2000, and Lyman veterinarian Douglas Hutchins says its trainer owes him a share of the proceeds.

Hutchins, owner of Southern Maine Veterinarian Care, filed a lawsuit this week in York County Superior Court against Ronald Patoine of Old Orchard Beach.

According to the complaint, Hutchins and Patoine entered into an oral agreement in October 1997 regarding All Star Edition, a yearling that Patoine purchased sometime after April.

The suit said Hutchins agreed to provide board, daily care and veterinary services, and the two would split evenly the ownership of the horse in the spring of 1999 and share equally in any winnings.

But when All Star Edition went on to win big at tracks in Maine, Patoine did not share any winnings and even refused to transfer the half-ownership, Hutchins charges.

During those two years, according to the U.S. Trotting Association, All Star Edition won more than $45,000, racing exclusively in Maine.

“In Maine, All Star Edition was one of the better horses,” said Rick Simonds, executive director of the Maine Harness Racing Promotion Board. “He was very successful.”

All Star Edition was sold in March of 2000 and continued his successful racing career in Florida. Hutchins claims in his lawsuit that Patoine failed to share any proceeds with him from the sale.

Hutchins is seeking an undetermined amount of damages, but his lawyer, Ronald G. Caron, said money is not the driving force behind the lawsuit.

“I think [Hutchins] thinks he’s been done wrong. It’s a personal matter for him. People rely on what other people say and they go to the bank on it,” Caron said.

Patoine could not be reached Tuesday for comment.

Hutchins also filed a second claim against Patoine regarding a similar agreement he allegedly made with Paul Kinnear of Staten Island, N.Y., and Hutchins regarding a horse named Action Goal.

The 6-year-old mare, which has not been bred yet, has proven less successful on the track than All Star Edition, garnering approximately $17,000 in lifetime earnings.