The following is in response to a letter received from Stephen Quesenberry Esq., attorney representing David Cattoor, objecting to the portrayal of his client as someone who acted unethically in the pursuit of his profession.

Specifically, this responds to, and addresses the opinions expressed by HorseRaceInsider contributing writer, Marion Altieri, in her blog “The Alpha Mare.” It has been alleged that Ms. Altieri’s statements defamed Mr. Cattoor’s character.

The charge that Ms. Altieri misrepresented her opinion as fact we don’t believe to be accurate. Blogs, by definition, are opinion pieces and need not be identified specifically as opinion, per se. It is, indeed, the nature of Internet postings.

However, we do regret, and apologize for, any damage it might have caused Mr. Cattoor, personally or professionally. Neither HRI, nor myself, as its executive editor, know these statements to be either true or false.

The error here is that of HRI’s executive editor failing to sufficiently explain to Ms. Altieri the nature of paraphrasing information posted elsewhere on the Internet, whose sources may or may not be free of bias or error.

When contributors are brought on board, the HRI executive editor explains from the outset that it will not be responsible to edit copy or fact-check, but only to suggest or approve possible storylines for publication.

This public apology is in lieu of a press release to be disseminated among our “subscribers.” HRI is not a subscription-base web-site, nor does it sell products to sustain its existence. It exists only as a forum for the free expression of ideas.

Once again, HorseRaceInsider regrets and apologizes for any harm that the piece, “Wild Horses and the Right to Run Freely--Even In Montana” might have caused Mr. Cattoor.

In order to consider this matter closed and free of any subsequent legal remedy, this apology will be displayed in good faith for a period of 72 hours on the HRI lead page, unusually long in that format.

Further, it will be displayed for a period of 30 days directly on Ms. Altieri’s blog, “The Alpha Mare.” The story “Wild Horses and the Right to Run Freely--Even in Montana,” has been permanently removed from this web-site.

Respectfully,

John Pricci, Executive Editor
HorseRaceInsider.com


From Marion Altieri:

I wish to go on record that a blog which I wrote about recent activities in Montana regarding the Pryor Mountain herd of wild horses contained my opinions about Mr. David Cattoor.

I should have framed my opinions as just that: opinion.

Because I did not represent them thus, my opinions were interpreted as statements of fact, which they were not. I paraphrased several times when I should have quoted with citations.

I am sincerely sorry for any grief which this has caused Mr. Cattoor and hope that he will accept my apology in this public forum.

Marion Altieri