A WEALTHY businessman has shocked a saleswoman who took him to a tribunal by naming his latest racehorse after her.

Nigel Gravett's company is expected to have to pay out £40,000 to Emma Nicholson, after sacking her while she was pregnant.

But the 25-year-old yesterday discovered Mr Gravett has called his promising two-year-old filly Emma Told Lies.

The tribunal heard that the former Miss Great Britain finalist had been taken on for her good looks.

But when she became pregnant, the Newcastle tribunal found, she was no longer wanted at the firm.

Mrs Nicholson was also persuaded to pose topless on a training exercise at work, the tribunal heard. She was then humiliated to see the photo pinned on a noticeboard.

The mother-of-three, of Stanley, County Durham, was sacked only a month after telling her manager she was pregnant.

The tribunal found in favour of Mrs Nicholson in February and six weeks later, on April 13, Mr Gravett's horse was registered as Emma Told Lies.

Mr Gravett, managing director of Network Global Ltd, a Lincoln-based telecommunications firm, said: "As far as I'm aware, there is no law about what you can or can't call a racehorse.

"She's only had two races so far and she's learning all the time. She's very competitive and has got a great future ahead of her."

Mrs Nicholson said: "I was just shocked when I was told about its name.

"The tribunal found in my favour. I did not tell lies, I told the truth. The tribunal decided the company only employed me for my looks.

"They'll be coming back to the tribunal next week where damages will be considered."

The horse, which is trained by Peter Easterby in North Yorkshire, has finished 6th and 8th in its races so far.

David Easterby, assistant trainer for Emma Told Lies, said: "She's remarkably well-behaved in public, she's got good legs and the future looks bright for her.