Morrison groom in hot water after relieving himself in stable

One of Hughie Morrison's grooms ended up in a spot of bother after choosing a stable to relieve himself at York.

The groom was looking after Morrison's Yorkshire Cup runner Marmelo but chose the wrong place for his makeshift urinal, with his actions leading to a caution from the stewards.

The stewards were satisfied any cross-contamination had not occurred, with Morrison's head lad alerting the stable guards to the incident.

Morrison was instructed to ensure all his employees are correctly briefed as to the integrity implications of such actions in the future, but downplayed its seriousness. He said: "He's a nice lad and a loyal member of staff who made a mistake and will know next time. I think it's a bit of a shaggy dog story."

It has been a trying week for Morrison, who on Thursday offered a £10,000 reward for anyone with information on how a horse in his care, Our Little Sister, tested positive for an anabolic steroid in January this year.

The trainer has vowed to prove himself innocent of the BHA charges, and said: "I'm guilty unless I can prove myself innocent. I have to do everything in my power to prove myself innocent."