A long-running case involving Hall of Fame horse trainer Steve Asmussen is heading back to court. Federal judges have decided a trial is necessary to determine if Asmussen knowingly withheld overtime pay from 163 of his stable workers. Here’s a breakdown of the case and what it means for Asmussen and his employees.
What Is the Case About?
The U.S. Department of Labor claims that Steve Asmussen did not pay $211,541.76 in overtime wages to grooms and hot walkers over two years. If proven that he intentionally withheld these wages, Asmussen could face penalties for an additional year of unpaid overtime, making the total even higher.
Why Is It Going to Trial?
The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a trial is needed because two federal courts reached opposite conclusions about Asmussen’s actions.
- Conflicting Rulings: One court ruled that Asmussen’s actions were not intentional, while another court believed they clearly were.
- Testimony Needed: To resolve these differences, testimony from witnesses will be taken, and the court will decide on the credibility of the evidence presented.
The Legal Background
Asmussen’s legal troubles started in 2019 when the Labor Department cited him for wage violations in Kentucky. At first, a judge dismissed the case, saying there was no evidence the government could win. But an appeals court later overturned that decision.
- Previous Ruling: A judge ordered Asmussen to pay $486,520.26 in back wages, penalties, and damages.
- Current Appeal: Asmussen’s lawyer, Clark Brewster, appealed again, leading to the latest decision to send the case back to trial.
What’s at Stake?
The outcome depends on whether the court finds that Asmussen acted in “good faith” when he provided time sheets to investigators.
- Two-Year Limit: Normally, the Labor Department has two years to resolve cases like this.
- Three-Year Extension: If it’s proven that Asmussen “willfully” broke the law, the case can cover an additional year of unpaid overtime.
Asmussen’s Previous Settlement
In 2021, Asmussen agreed to pay $563,800 in damages and back pay for 170 workers to settle a similar case in New York. This adds more weight to the current accusations and raises questions about his labor practices across state lines.
Steve Asmussen’s overtime case highlights the challenges of enforcing labor laws in the horse racing industry. While Asmussen denies any wrongdoing, the trial will determine if his actions were deliberate or an oversight. With nearly half a million dollars already awarded in similar cases, this new trial could have significant consequences for one of horse racing’s biggest names.
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