Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 15 November 2023 – R7 – Vinnie Colgan

ID: RIB29758

Respondent(s):
Vinnie Colgan - Jockey

Applicant:
Stipendiary Steward - Mr Mark Davidson

Adjudicators:
Dave Anderson (Chair), Stewart Ching

Persons Present:
Chief RIB Steward - Mr John Oatham, Mr Davidson and Mr Colgan

Information Number:
A21178

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Striking his horse 9 times prior to the 100m

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
CHURCHILLIAN

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
15/11/2023

Race Club:
Canterbury Jockey Club

Race Location:
Riccarton Park - 165 Racecourse Road, Christchurch,

Race Number:
R7

Hearing Date:
15/11/2023

Hearing Location:
Riccarton Park

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Vinnie Colgan is suspended for 7 days

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 7, Stipendiary Steward Mr Mark Davidson presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 638(3)(g)(i) by Class A Jockey Mr Vinnie Colgan.

Mr Colgan stated he was conversant with the Rule, the charge, and confirmed he admitted the breach.

Mr Davidson played the relevant videos to identify Mr Colgan racing outside the leader entering the home straight and pointed to him strike his mount 9 times prior to the 100m mark.

Mr Colgan agreed with the count and had nothing to add.

DECISION:

The Respondent having admitted the breach, the charge was deemed to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Davidson said Mr Colgan had a clear record under the Rule. He said the Guidelines have a starting point of a 5-day suspension and in addition, a fine at 50% of the Jockey’s share of the stake may be imposed. He said today’s race was at Group 3 level, which the Stewards would expect an uplift in penalty to apply.

Mr Colgan made no submissions on penalty, but asked to start any proposed suspension after 25 November 2023.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guidelines provide a 5-day suspension for 4 or more additional strikes, first offence.

Mr Colgan has finished 5th in the race earning stake money, however the Adjudicative Committee, in considering the relatively small percentage, will not add this to Mr Colgan’s sanction.

The status of this race, Group 3 Canterbury Breeders Stakes at $120,000, is an aggravating factor and the Adjudicative Committee considers an uplift of 2 days is warranted.

Accordingly, it considers the appropriate penalty is a 7-day suspension.

CONCLUSION:

Jockey Vinnie Colgan’s Licence to ride in races is suspended from the conclusion of racing on 25 November 2023, up to and including racing on 8 December 2023.

Decision Date: 15/11/2023

Publish Date: 17/11/2023