JP McManus, one of National Hunt racing's most important figures, is battling prostate cancer.

The legendary owner and gambler is due to fly back to Europe today from the United States where he has spent several weeks in hospital.

McManus's racing manager Frank Berry confirmed the 58-year-old Irishman's illness, and said: "Unfortunately, the story is true but he doesn't want to make a big fuss over it. He has been in America for treatment, but he will be back home at the weekend and I'm glad to say that he is in good form and is doing well."

Still one of the highest-staking punters on the racecourse, the former bookmaker is also the biggest National Hunt owner in terms of numbers in Britain, Ireland and France.

A close associate of London City airport owner Dermot Desmond and John Magnier, the Limerick-born McManus operates a global investment portfolio from his Geneva base and is a part-owner of the Sandy Lane Hotel in Barbados, where he also has a house.

McManus also owns Jackdaws Castle, the Gloucestershire yard that Jonjo O'Neill trains from, and has invested heavily in improving facilities.

After heart disease, prostate cancer is the second most common killer of men over 50. Nearly 35,000 men are diagnosed and more than 10,000 die from the disease each year, but treatment can be successful if diagnosed early.