Where Is Doug?

Whilst most of the focus of the racing world was at Epsom on Saturday, there were happenings at Hexham which look as though they may have more sinister implications.

The commentator was missing.

Doug Fraser was due to call the races at the Northumberland course, a course where he regularly calls.

Doug has one of the most distinctive voices on the circuit, a Scottish accent with an adenoidal inflection.

However on Saturday his unique tones were not to be heard as he failed to arrive at the track. Somewhat out of character for Doug, as he is a conscientious type, always at the course in plenty of time.

Indeed last time I was at Hexham I arrived at the course three hours before racing and the only other person in the press room was Doug.

So no sign of Doug at Hexham and his colleagues were worried. Normally if a commentator cannot make a meeting they will ring one of their colleagues to cover for them or ring “head office”.

Doug did neither on Saturday and attempts to contact him on his mobile failed.

Concerned, his employers Racetech contacted the police on Saturday evening. Finding his car parked outside his Leeds flat and unable to get any answer, the police broke into his flat but there was no trace of Doug, although they did find his wallet, mobile phone and passport inside the flat.

Doug was last seen on Thursday and has not been seen since. It is totally out of character for him to go missing and his family and friends are not aware of his whereabouts.

I have only met Doug a handful of times and he is one of the quieter members of the press room, keeping himself to himself and his disappearance is a concern.

West Yorkshire Police have issued an appeal, which I now reproduce.

City and Holbeck Police are appealing for information to trace 54-year-old George Douglas Fraser, who was reported missing at the weekend.

Mr Fraser is a well-known racing commentator who is more commonly known as Doug, and was reported missing after he failed to attend Hexham Races on Saturday to fulfil his commentating commitments.

Officers have been carrying out numerous enquiries over the weekend to trace Mr Fraser and are becoming increasing concerned for his welfare as he has not been missing before.

He is described as white, around 6' tall, of medium build, with green eyes and a bald head with receding black-grey hair at the sides. He speaks with a Scottish accent.

Anyone with information is asked to contact City and Holbeck Police via 0845 6060606

It is worrying that Doug has been missing for so long and let us all hope he soon turns up safely.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends.