The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word LAMPERS
L
A
M
P
E
R
S
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Bad news in the stables" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case bad news in the stables = lampers.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does LAMPERS mean?
LAMPERS noun- An inflammation and swelling of the soft parts of the palate immediately behind the foreteeth in a horse.