Waikato TR 3 October 2024 – R7 – Vinnie Colgan

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 7, “THE NEMS MEDICAL 2000”, Mr Dooley presented an Information charging Mr Colgan with careless riding, in breach of Rule 638(1)(d).

Mr Colgan admitted the breach.

The race films were presented by Mr Jones and these depicted Mr Colgan’s mount “CRYSTAL FALLS” commencing to improve rounding the bend into the home straight.  It was then tending to lay in.  Mr Colgan corrected this.  But at about the 100 metre mark, he applied his whip two times and the horse shifted in when not sufficiently clear of “PRINCESS JASMINE”, ridden by Ms S Spratt, causing her to take hold of her mount to avoid a clipping of heels.  Mr Colgan’s mount finished 3rd and Miss Spratt’s finished 5th.

Mr Colgan said, in explanation, that his horse was getting tired and running away from the whip.

Decision:

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Dooley expressed the opinion that the degree of carelessness was in the “low range”.  Mr Colgan has a good record, with only 2 suspensions over the past 12 months.  He referred to the NZTR Penalty Guide providing a starting point of 5 National Riding Days suspension.

Mr Colgan made no submissions as to penalty, other than any suspension be deferred for 2 days, as he said he had riding engagements.

Reasons for Penalty:

There are no aggravating factors that require any uplift from the starting point of 5 days.  Mr Colgan queried why he did not “get a discount” for “admitting the breach” and the Adjudicative Committee Chair explained to him that that does not generally occur unless there are special circumstances accompanied by genuine remorse.

Conclusion:

Accordingly, Mr Colgan’s Licence to ride is suspended for 5 National Riding Days, to commence at the end of racing on 5 October 2024 and to finish at the completion of racing on 13 October 2024.