US Auction News
Two of the biggest names in the thoroughbred bloodstock business are accused in a California lawsuit of paying undisclosed commissions to agents working for winemaker Jess Jackson. Because of those and other commissions, Jackson was defrauded of millions of dollars, he alleges in the suit.

Tom Van Meter of Eaton Sales and John Sikura of Hill ‘n’ Dale Sales Agency are accused of paying commissions behind Jackson’s back to his agents to get him to buy their horses, sometimes at inflated prices.

Van Meter, who sold $42.4 million worth of horses at the Keeneland sales last year, declined to comment.

Posted: 03|17|06 at 9:28 am. Filed under: Auction News.