Trial Expected To Settle Squabble Over Horse's Earnings

COVINGTON, Ky. (AP) - A trial set for October could determine who gets a share of the earnings from Preakness winner "Curlin." Two of "Curlin's" co-owners faced a federal judge in Covington today on charges of wire fraud in connection with their legal representation in a lawsuit over the diet drug fen-phen.

If convicted, Shirley Cunningham Junior and William Gallion, could face 20 years in prison. They also may be forced to forfeit (m) millions of dollars, including "Curlin's" winnings.

Judge William Berdelsman set a trial date for October 15th in the case. Defense attorneys pleaded for more time because prosecutors say they have 87 boxes of records obtained in a search warrant.

Also facing the charges is Melbourne Mills Junior, who is not part of "Curlin's" ownership team. All three defendants were asked to surrender their passports and were released on condition they not travel outside their home state. Mills requested that he be allowed to take a cruise to Japan and Korea in September, but the judge said he doubted he would accept that.

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