Kaikoura TC 3 November 2025 – R9 – Colin DeFilippi
ID: RIB60212
Animal Name:
HERE'S HERBIE
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
03/11/2025
Race Club:
Kaikoura Trotting Club
Race Location:
Kaikoura Racecourse - , ,
Race Number:
R9
Hearing Date:
03/11/2025
Hearing Location:
Kaikoura Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Driver Colin DeFilippi is suspended for 4 days
EVIDENCE:
Following the running of Race 9, Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr Nigel McIntyre presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 869(2) by Driver Mr Colin DeFilippi.
Mr DeFilippi stated he had a very good understanding of the Rule and the Charge and he confirmed he admitted the breach.
Rule 869 provides that:
(2) No driver shall during any race use a whip in a manner in contravention of the Use of the Whip Regulations made by the Board.
Mr McIntyre had Mr Renault play the video of the final 100m of the race, to identify Mr DeFilippi (HERE’S HERBIE) finishing in the middle of the field. Mr Renault pointed to Mr DeFilippi at approximately 50m from the post, swap his reins to one hand and extract his whip, which he was sitting on, and strike his horse once, free of the rein.
Mr DeFilippi said he had no intention of taking his whip for the race, but after completing his preliminary, noticed it was in his dust sheet. He said he placed it under himself and when his horse started to loaf inside the last 100m, instinct took over.
DECISION:
The Respondent having admitted the breach, it was deemed to be proved.
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:
Mr Renault said Mr DeFilippi has had 113 drives this season and was suspended at the recent Waimate meeting. He said that suspension is due to finish after racing this Friday at Addington.
Mr Renault said the Stewards view this breach at a low level and would expect some reduction from the Penalty Guidelines of a 7-day starting point for a Group 2 Race, and second breach of the Rule.
Mr DeFilippi had no submissions to make, but wished to defer any suspension until after Ashburton on 13 November.
REASONS FOR PENALTY:
The Adjudicative Committee considers this breach to be at the lowest possible level. Mr DeFilippi has just flicked his horse once with his whip and if it were not for the status of the race, would most probably only receive a warning for his temporary loss of focus.
The Adjudicative Committee, in considering all the relevant factors, finds a 4-day suspension to be adequate in the circumstances of this case.
CONCLUSION:
Mr DeFilippi’s request for deferment is granted and accordingly, his Licence to drive in races is suspended from the conclusion of racing on 13 November, up to and including racing on 23 November 2025.
Decision Date: 03/11/2025
Publish Date: 06/11/2025