Ahmed Zayat, the owner of Triple Crown hopeful American Pharoah, has requested that a federal judge dismiss a lawsuit that accuses him of owing $1.65 million to a man who claims to have fronted him gambling money.
Howard Rubinsky asserted that he advanced Zayat credit at a couple of casinos and that their agreement in 2003 stipulated the money be paid back. The breach of contract suit was filed in 2014. Rubinsky added that some of the money has been returned, but that Zayat still owes $1.65 million.
"It's a fraud," Zayat told Associated Press. "It's a scam from A to Z. It's total fiction. It's a total lie."
Zayat added that it's a case of blackmail by a criminal. Rubinsky has been convicted of gambling offenses and money laundering, according to the motion to dismiss.
