Youst v. Longo

Youst's (plaintiff) horse, Bat Champ, finished fifth in a race after Longo (defendant), riding another horse, allegedly rode into Bat Champ's track and struck it with a whip; Longo's horse finished second. Youst sued, seeking damages equal to the higher prize Bat Champ supposedly would have won absent the interference, but without alleging facts showing Bat Champ actually would have finished higher without it. Longo's demurrer was sustained, and the court of appeal affirmed.

Whether a defendant's interference with a plaintiff's chance to win a sports contest gives rise to tort liability for interference with prospective economic advantage.