Waikato TR 31 May 2025 – R6 – Vinnie Colgan

ID: RIB55611

Respondent(s):
Vincent Alexander Colgan - Jockey

Applicant:
Brady Jones - Senior Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
M Godber (Chair), D Botherway

Persons Present:
Brady Jones - Senior Stipendiary Steward; Vinnie Colgan

Information Number:
A19057

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Whip Rule Breach

Rule(s):
638(3)(g)(i) - Contravention whip rule

Plea:
Admitted

Stewards Report

Results

Animal Name:
WHISKEY 'N ROSES

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
31/05/2025

Race Club:
Waikato Thoroughbred Racing

Race Location:
Te Rapa Racecourse - Te Rapa Road, Hamilton, 3200

Race Number:
R6

Hearing Date:
31/05/2025

Hearing Location:
Te Rapa Race Course, Hamilton

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Vinnie Colgan is fined $250

Evidence

Following the running of Race 6, the Respondent Mr Colgan, a Class A Rider admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres.

Rule 638(3)(g)(i) provides that in a Flat Race a Rider must not:

(i) strike a horse with a whip more than 5 times prior to the 100-metre mark (other than in a slapping motion down the shoulder with the whip hand remaining on the reins); or

Using the available race films, Stipendiary Steward Mr Jones demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount 7 times from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark and another 5 times in the last 100 metres.

The Respondent Mr Colgan, admitted he had struck his mount 7 times from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark.

Decision

As the Respondent Mr Colgan admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved (Rule 915(1)(d) refers).

Submissions for Penalty

Mr Jones produced the Mr Colgan’s record, which was clear for the preceding 6 months. He submitted that the Penalty Guide provides for a fine of $250, in the circumstance where a Rider applies 2 strikes more than the permitted 5 strikes. Mr Jones submitted that the Adjudicative Committee may consider an uplift, as Mr Colgan went on to win the race.

Mr Colgan submitted that a fine of $250 would be sufficient in the circumstances.

Reasons for Penalty

The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature is $250.

After considering the film evidence, the submissions and having due regard for the number and frequency of strikes, the Adjudicative Committee determined there are no compelling reasons to depart from the starting point set out in the Penalty Guide.

On that basis, the Respondent is fined $250.

Conclusion

The Respondent Mr Colgan is fined $250.

Decision Date: 31/05/2025

Publish Date: 03/06/2025

Waikato TR 31 May 2025 – R6 – Vinnie Colgan

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