RACEHORSE trainer David "Dandy" Nicholls was "keen to clear his name" after hearing his trial on sex assault charges will be delayed, his solicitor said.

The 60-year-old from Tall Trees Farm, Sessay, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, appeared at Teesside Crown Court to hear his case has been adjourned until later this year.

The trial, which had been expected to begin this week, will take three to four days.

He is charged with grabbing one woman, putting his hand up her top and touching her naked breast under her bra.

In a separate alleged incident, he is charged with touching another woman's breast over her clothes and touching her between her legs over her clothing.

After the brief hearing Nicholls' solicitor David Harbron said: "Mr Nicholls is disappointed that the trial cannot go ahead this week, however fully understands that the matter has to be adjourned through no fault of his own and due to court difficulties.

"Mr Nicholls continues to strenuously deny both offences and is keen to clear his name."

Nicholls, a father-of-three, runs a yard with 100 horses and has been dubbed the Sprint King for his know-how in training winners.

He was a successful jockey until 1992, riding more than 400 winners, when he switched to training.

His website says: "After a successful career as a jockey he decided to turn his hand to training, and what a decision this has proved to be.

"David started training with only five horses with the help of his wife, champion lady jockey Alex Greaves, he now has around 100 under his care."