Retraining of Racehorses appoint David Catlow as managing director

Vastly experienced in the veterinary and welfare field, David Catlow has been appointed managing director of Retraining of Racehorses, British horseracing's official charity for the welfare of horses who have retired from racing.

Catlow, previously clinical director at the animal welfare charity Blue Cross and a managing partner at Oakhill Veterinary Centre, will start his new role from October 3.

Philip Freedman, chairman of RoR, said: "With his extensive experience and outstanding track record, David is well equipped to lead RoR in fulfilling the brief given to it by the racing industry."

Catlow said: "I'm delighted to join RoR and relish the opportunity to lead the charity as it looks to build on its significant achievements and success over the last 20 years."

Joao Moreira to miss three months of Hong Kong season due to hip treatment

Joao Moreira, four-time champion jockey in Hong Kong, is set to be sidelined for up to three months after deciding to undergo treatment for recurring pain in his left hip.

Known as ‘Magic Man’ due to his success in the saddle, Moreira, 38, will miss a large part of this season while he is treated for a labral tear in his hip ball joint.

The rider said: “After consulting experts, I have decided to repeat platelet-rich-plasma treatment which I have had once before in 2020.

“I will be having a certain period of rest, rehabilitation, and physiotherapy after the injection. I hope to return to riding in three months' time.”

Funeral of owner-breeder Johnny Jeffreys

The funeral of Johnny Jeffreys, the owner-breeder and former chairman of Kelso racecourse who died this month, will take place on Thursday, September 29.

The service will take place at 2.30pm at St Mary's Church in Wooler (NE71 6DR), followed by a wake at Chillingham Newtown Farm.

Changes needed for Arabian Racing Organisation

Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) chairman Charles Gregson has outlined two issues that need to be addressed in order to protect the future of Arabian racing in the UK.

Gregson explained that, even though sponsors continue to support the ARO, the decline of the domestic horse population is a "major concern" and casts doubt on the 2023 season.

Gregson said: "With only 50 domestic horses registered, ARO’s own administration costs are failing to be covered, along with raceday operational costs which enable us to provide the first-class platform for our racing our sponsors and participants expect."

He added: "Our domestic horse population needs to at least double in numbers in order to support a full programme of racing that is attractive to further investment. Secondly, our ability as a non-profit organisation to cover our operating costs needs to be assured.

"We need direct action to secure our sustainability as a sport and as an organisation for 2023 and beyond."