Malton racehorse trainer Brian Rothwell today appealed to thieves who broke into his tack-room last night for the return of stolen items.

The thieves' haul included the passport of Gordon's Friend, a 12-1 winner at Haydock yesterday.

Mr Rothwell discovered the break-in at first light this morning and immediately informed Malton police.

The Musley Bank trainer said: "It's difficult to put a value on what was taken, but I would say it would be somewhere in the region of £4,000.

"There were several racing bridles, both leather and plastic, and two synthetic saddles and four leather half-tree saddles, two of which have my initials under the flaps."

Mr Rothwell added: "They also took sponsor's rugs and paddock sheets with horses' names on them, which are no use to them, plus a leather colours bag with a brass nameplate on it bearing my name, and containing a set of colours.

"Even more frustrating is the fact that they took the passport of Gordon's Friend, which is useless to them, but is crucial to us. Without that, I can't run the horse until I get his markings done all over again and am then issued with another passport.

"That all takes time and I had intended racing Gordon's Friend again quite quickly."

Mr Rothwell added: "It's a real sickener and I would appeal to the thieves to at least give us back the things which are clearly of no use to them, or to anyone else.

"In the meantime, other trainers or horse-owners should be on their guard."

Updated: 12:31 Friday, June 08, 2001