Al Kazeem retired

Roger Charlton’s Al Kazeem, a four-time Group 1 winner, has been retired. The seven-year-old Dubawi horse has been struggling with an injury. Al Kazeem proved subfertile at stud when he was retired from the track in 2013 and returned to training with Charlton a year later.

With his racing career now over for a second time, he will cover again at Oakgrove Stud, in Chepstow.

Glanders outbreak

Equestrian sport authorities around the world are waiting on news of a suspected case of glanders in two horses based at the 2016 Olympic equestrian games venue in Rio de Janeiro.

The contagious disease is an incurable and potentially fatal bacterial infection, mainly affecting horses, donkeys and mules. A case of glanders was diagnosed in Germany earlier this year.

Cooper’s agent

Jockey Bryan Cooper has appointed Kevin O’Ryan as his agent. O’Ryan already acts for Davy Russell and, on the flat, Pat Smullen, Joseph O’Brien and Declan McDonogh.

Kieran Kelly

Today marks the 12th anniversary of Kieran Kelly’s fatal fall at Kilbeggan. The jockey is remembered in one of the race titles at Kilbeggan this evening. Kieran’s many friends in racing are invited to attend his anniversary mass in Derrinturn, Carbury, Co Kildare next Tuesday at 7.30pm.

Land Rover recall

Land Rover Ireland has written to owners of Discovery 3 and 4 models, as well as Range Rover Sport models, requesting a voluntary but urgent recall to examine the quick-release ball-hitch system. The models built between 2005 and 2015 have a problem with wear and tear and, in some cases, detachment of the tow-ball.

A number of Land Rover Discovery owners have already changed from the quick-release ball-hitch system to a more durable heavy-duty fixed-hitch system where they are regularly towing to the vehicle maximum towing rating of 3.5 tonnes.

Land Rover has confirmed that, if wear and tear is identified in the recall, the dealer will install a heavy-duty multi-height tow bar system and a rear-cross member if required at no additional cost to owners.

Tote Jackpot guarantee rises

Tote Ireland has increased the minimum Jackpot pool guarantee to €5,000 from €3,000 Monday to Saturday, with Sunday’s minimum guarantee doubling to €10,000.

PTP weights change

The Stewards of the INHS Committee will introduce a new weight structure for the upcoming point-to-point season. The weights for all four-year-old maidens and lady rider races have been raised 1lb to 11st 10lb. The weights for all five-year-old and upwards mares’ maiden races has been set at 11st 10lb (down 1lb) and the weights for all winners and open lightweight races will be 12st 1lb (down 1lb).