BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN - SPRINGSTEEN SETTLES LEGAL BATTLE OVER HORSE

Rocker BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN has settled a lawsuit over a show horse out-of-court. The singer, 58, is alleged to have breached a contract with Olympic equestrian Todd Minikus to buy the mammal - named Pavarotti - for $850,000 (GBP425,000), after the horse failed to "perform well", reports the Palm Beach Post in Florida. The animal was intended as a gift to Springsteen's teenage daughter, Jessica, to help her in her fledgling riding career - but the star pulled out of the agreement after he was left disappointed by the horse's performance. But Springsteen opted to pay up $200,000 (GBP100,000) to end the legal battle, which was settled last week (ends11Jan08).