Racecourses have been alerted to his disappearance including Uttoxeter, in Staffordshire, where he is well known.

BBC: Owen Brennan: Police continue search for missing trainer

The firm's racecourses, which also include Wolverhampton, Worcester and Southwell, ran at a profit over the last half of 2001.

BBC: Racing firm 'to add casinos to courses'

Critics who claimed he was weak in a finish, and disadvantaged by his unfamiliarity with British racecourses, were soon silenced.

BBC: SPORT | Other Sport | Horse Racing | McEvoy ready to take his chance

But jockeys are furious they cannot use phones at racecourses, saying they need to keep in touch with agents and trainers over forthcoming rides.

BBC: Phone row could end in court

John Sanderson, a major figure at several Yorkshire racecourses for more than 45 years, has been appointed OBE for services to the horse racing industry.

BBC: Whitby adoption adviser Martin Narey given knighthood

Racecourses and horse-owners complain they are now at the bookmakers' mercy.

ECONOMIST: Horse-racing

"Obviously, when I first arrived it was something completely new and it took me time to get to know the racecourses and to get to know the different style of racing, " he said.

BBC: SPORT | Other Sport | Horse Racing | McEvoy ready to take his chance

It will keep choice positions on racecourses.

ECONOMIST: The Tote: Odd odds | The