Manawatu RC 29 March 2025 – R3 – Vinnie Colgan

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 3, the Respondent Class A Rider Mr V Colgan admitted a charge of careless riding, which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that as the Rider of MAFIA MAMMA, he angled his mount inwards when not sufficiently clear, causing crowding to TRANSACTION, MASSIVE PRINCE and MIRAQUA near the 1200 metres.

Mr Colgan acknowledged he understood the Rule and confirmed his admission of the breach.

Rule 638(1)(d) provides: A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be careless.

Using the available films, Stipendiary Steward Mr Goodwin outlined the sequence of events. He showed where Mr Colgan, starting from barrier 15, attempted to shift toward the running rail, but crossed TRANSACTION without sufficient clearance. This manoeuvre forced TRANSACTION inward, resulting in interference to two other horses. Ms Hemi positioned near the rail, had to sharply check her mount as a result.

In response, Mr Colgan said he thought he was crossing quite comfortably, but just got it a little bit wrong.

Decision:

As the Respondent admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

Submission for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward Mr Oatham provided the Respondent’s riding record, which showed two prior breaches under the Careless Riding Rule within the past 12 months:

• 3/10/24: Low-end careless riding (5-day suspension)

• 25/1/25: Low-end careless riding (6-day suspension)

Mr Colgan has had 394 rides in the same period.

Stewards classified the current breach as low-range carelessness. The interference occurred when Mr Colgan crossed another runner while 1¼ lengths clear, slightly less than the required 2-length clearance. Three horses were affected, though Ms Hercock’s mount—wearing blinkers—may have overreacted, making the incident appear worse.

Mr Colgan requested a deferment due to riding engagements through until after April 5th.

Reasons for Penalty 

The Adjudicative Committee concluded:

• The breach fell within the low range of carelessness.

• No aggravating factors warranted an uplift in penalty.

• Mr Colgan’s record, with two prior low-end breaches, was deemed neutral—neither mitigating nor exacerbating the penalty.

Balancing these factors, a 5-day suspension was imposed, consistent with the Penalty Guide for low-range offenses.  The suspension was deferred until after April 5th, to accommodate committed engagements.

Conclusion:

Mr Colgan’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 5 days, commencing after racing on Saturday April 5th and concluding after racing on Sunday April 13th, 2025.