Mills v. Roosevelt Raceway, Inc.

66 Misc. 2d 251, 320 N.Y.S.2d 766, 1970 N.Y. Misc. LEXIS 1040

• Court: Appellate Terms of the Supreme Court of New York
• Decided: December 17, 1970
• Status: Published

Opinion

Per Curiam.

The jury’s verdict established that plaintiff presented a winning ticket to defendant’s agent strictly in compliance with defendant’s rules and regulations and was thereafter disabled from completing performance by reason of the agent’s default.

The simple liability of a principal for the fault of his agent when acting within the scope of this authority has not been abrogated by the Pari-Mutuel Law. In contrast with cases relied upon by respondent this is not a case to recover a bet, outside the scope of said law. The essence of plaintiff’s charge is that there was a tortious interference with his contract which excused his full performance and for which defendant is responsible. Whether this be labeled a tort or a contract action is immaterial.

The judgment should be unanimously reversed on the law, the motion denied and the jury’s verdict reinstated, with $30 costs.

Concur — Hogan*, P. J., Gulotta and Gligkman*, JJ.

Judgment reversed, etc.