Ashburton RC 11 October 2025 – R1 – Vinnie Colgan

Evidence

Following the running of Race 1, the Respondent Class A Rider Vinnie Colgan 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 Mark Davidson, with the assistance of Stipendiary Steward Scott Wallis, demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount 7 times, from near the 400m to the 100-metre mark, with a further 4 strikes inside the 100m.

Mr Respondent elected to make no submissions in regard to the breach.

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 Davidson produced the Respondent’s record, which indicated 3 previous breaches being;

31 May 2025 – Waikato – $250 for 7 strikes

30 August 2025 – Riccarton – $500 for 7 strikes

21 September 2025 – Auckland – 5 days suspension for 7 strikes (Group 3 Race)

Mr Davidson stated the Penalty Guide for excessive whip use for a 4th breach where there were 2 additional strikes, was a 5 plus national day suspension.

Mr Colgan made no submissions in regard to penalty, apart from requesting a deferment until after the meeting at Ellerslie on Saturday 18 October 2025.

Reasons for Penalty

The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature is set out below.

For breaches of the Whip Rule prior to the 100m mark:

4th offence starting point 5+ national day suspension where there are 2 additional strikes

The Penalty Guide provides a 5 plus day suspension, mitigation inclusive, for a 4th breach of this Rule within a 6 month period, therefore a 6 day starting point was adopted.

There were no aggravating factors to consider, therefore no uplift was warranted.

It was therefore determined that an appropriate penalty in this case, was a 6 day suspension.

Conclusion

The Respondent Mr Colgan, is granted a deferment until after racing at Ellerslie on 18 October 2025. His Licence to ride in races is suspended for 6 national days, from close of racing on 18 October 2025, until close of racing on 26 October 2025.