Top racehorse trainer ‘forced out’ pregnant stable groom
A LEADING racehorse trainer is being sued for discrimination by a stable groom who claims she was called “useless” because morning sickness meant she felt unsafe riding.
Alex Caulkett told an employment tribunal that Eve Johnson Houghton’s attitude towards her “changed” when she found out she was expecting.
She says she faced unfair disciplinary action, was barred from her bungalow and made to agree to quit in return for a reference, pay and a letter to the council to help her find a home.
Ms Caulkett is suing Eve Johnson Houghton Racing for pregnancy discrimination and unfair dismissal.
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A judge has ruled bosses applied “illegitimate pressure” on her.
Ms Johnson Houghton is known for success on the flat. Her ride Accidental Agent won Royal Ascot’s Queen Anne Stakes in 2018 at 33-1.
A preliminary hearing was told Ms Caulkett began at the 80-horse business in 2019 aged 16 and gained distinction as a stable groom.
She was paid £280 per week and provided with space in a shared bungalow in Blewbury, Oxon. She began a relationship with a boy referred to as T and became pregnant in June 2021. Ms Caulkett told the Watford hearing her boss then considered her “useless” due to morning sickness and Ms Johnson Houghton did not want her to live or work there – Ms Johnson Houghton denies this.
The hearing was told T smashed a window and Ms Caulkett was asked to a disciplinary hearing over three allegations of gross misconduct. The judge ruled there was “no credible basis” for the disciplinary allegations.
It is claimed Ms Johnson Houghton later said Ms Caulkett’s relationship with T had a “disproportionate effect on your ability to carry out your role and for others to have the confidence in you that is necessary”.
She continued: “For those reasons I believe that we need to bring your employment to an end as well.”
Ms Caulkett, now 20, told the hearing she felt blackmailed into splitting up or losing her job. She was rehoused with her baby daughter in August 2022 after sleeping on sofas following her exit from the stables.
Employment judge Victoria Othen said Ms Caulkett entered into the agreement under duress when her bosses wanted the matter concluded swiftly, so she declared it cancelled.
A full tribunal will take place later.