Hughie Morrison: Trainer ‘innocent’ over Our Little Sister failed drug test

Trainer Hughie Morrison is offering a reward of £10,000 to clear his name after one of his horses tested positive for an anabolic steroid.

Our Little Sister tested positive for nandrolone after finishing last in a race at Wolverhampton on 14 January, which had prize money of £2,500.

Morrison, who could lose his licence, said he is “totally innocent” and has no idea how the drug was administered.

“For me to do it would be professional suicide,” he told BBC Sport.

The 56-year-old, who has had 780 winners in a 20-year career, was charged by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) on Thursday with breaching rules and is appealing for help from the public.

He believes there has been a malicious attempt to sabotage British racing or his training operation in East Ilsley, Berkshire, and has informed Thames Valley Police.

The force said it had been contacted by Morrison’s lawyer, but said it was a matter for the BHA.

A BHA spokesman said the case would be considered by a disciplinary panel and anyone with information could contact its confidential helpline on 0800 085 2580 or visit the RaceStraight website. , external

Morrison says whoever injected the filly must have had a thorough knowledge of racing and the implications of a positive test.

He said the horse had been left unattended for a significant time at Southwell races on 2 January after an injury to another of the stable’s runners.

“The onus is on me to prove my innocence. I wouldn’t be offering such a generous reward if I didn’t think there was something out there,” he added.