Levin RC 30 November 2025 – R5 – Vinnie Colgan
ID: RIB61368
Animal Name:
AZEEZLE
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
30/11/2025
Race Club:
Levin Racing Club
Race Location:
Otaki Racecourse - Te Roto Road, Otaki, 5512
Race Number:
R5
Hearing Date:
30/11/2025
Hearing Location:
Otaki Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Vinnie Colgan is suspended for 6 days
EVIDENCE:
Following the running of Race 5, the “LEVIN TRUCK SERVICES LEVIN STAKES”, Ms Selvakumaran presented an Information charging Mr Colgan, the Rider of “AZEEZLE” with a breach of Whip Rule 638(3)(g)(i) in that he struck his mount 7 times prior to the 100 metre mark.
Mr Colgan admitted the charge.
The race films depicted that ‘”AZEEZLE” was leading as the field was in the home straight and between the 350 metre and 100 metre marks. Mr Colgan struck the horse 7 times over that distance, which is a breach of Rule 638(3)(g)(i). There is an exemption for such a breach if a “Rider does not strike the horse more than 3 times after the 100 metre mark”. (Rule 638(3)(g)(iii)(B)).
Mr Colgan could not rely upon that exemption, as he struck the horse 4 times after the 100 metre mark.
“AZEEZLE” held on to win the race by a 0.3 length.
DECISION:
As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:
The Informant advised that Mr Colgan was a busy Senior Rider with 417 rides in the past 12 months. He has had 3 previous breaches of the Whip Rule in the past 6 months. Although Mr Colgan believes he only exceeded the Rule by 1 strike, in fact the breach was by 2 strikes in excess of, the permitted strikes. A suspension was required for this 4th breach.
Mr Colgan has riding engagements for the next 7 days.
REASONS FOR PENALTY:
From a starting point of 5 days suspension, an uplift of 1 day is required to reflect the aggravating factor that Mr Colgan’s mount won the race, earning a stake of $46,000.
CONCLUSION:
Accordingly, Mr Colgan’s Licence to ride is suspended for 6 National Riding Days, to commence at the conclusion of racing on 7 December 2025 and to finish at the conclusion of racing on 17 December 2025.
Decision Date: 30/11/2025
Publish Date: 03/12/2025