Cole outed for 12 months

Matamata trainer Cody Cole has been disqualified for 12 months following a Racing Integrity Board decision that stems from his failure to comply with a drug testing directive, halting the momentum of one of New Zealand racing’s most promising young horsemen.

The penalty follows an earlier ruling issued on 30 January 2026, where an Adjudicative Committee found a charge proved under Rule 801(1)(k) – Misconduct, after determining Cole had failed to carry out a lawful order from an investigator to provide a urine sample.

The case centred on an incident at Matamata Racecourse on July 24 last year, when Cole was undertaking trackwork and was served with a Drug Testing Notification requiring him to present to a testing van within a designated timeframe that morning.

Cole acknowledged the requirement and was permitted to leave the course temporarily to return horses to his Tirau stable, with investigators making it clear he was required to return within the testing window. He did not return in time, instead advising via video message that he was dealing with a horse that had been injured after becoming entangled in a fence. He subsequently failed to answer further calls from investigators before the testing period concluded.

The Committee found that the elements of the charge were established and that the failure to comply was deliberate, not accidental, confirming the breach as a serious offence under the Rules of Racing.

That finding has now resulted in a 12-month disqualification, formalised in a written penalty decision on Wednesday. The penalty prevents Cole from training or being involved in racing activities for the duration of the disqualification.

The ruling comes during a standout season for the 35-year-old trainer, who has prepared 39 winners and sits sixth on the National Trainers’ Premiership.

Although Cole later provided a urine sample which returned a negative result, the breach related specifically to his failure to comply with the original direction at the time it was issued.

In a message sent to owners this week, Cole confirmed the immediate impact of the ruling and his intention to challenge it.

“You may be aware that I have been the subject of an investigation by the Racing Integrity Board. The Board has now reached its decision, which unfortunately means my licence will be suspended for 12 months from 5 pm on Wednesday, 15 April. This decision will be appealed, and we intend to take the matter as far as possible,” he said.

Cole also outlined plans to ensure continuity within his stable during the period of disqualification, with experienced jockey and long-time team member Troy Harris set to take over day-to-day operations once licensing approvals are finalised.

“Firstly, I want to assure you that the business will continue to operate as normal. During this period, Troy Harris will take responsibility for the daily running of the stable,” he said.

“There has, however, been a delay in the approval of his licence. As an interim measure, we are awaiting the renewal of my father Tony's licence, which is expected to be approved on Thursday. He will then pass the baton to Troy once his licence is approved at Board level on the 30th April.

“Many of you will already know Troy as a Group One–winning jockey and, more recently, as a key member of our stable for more than five years. I have complete confidence in his ability to lead the team and maintain our standards throughout this period.”

Cole emphasised that the welfare of horses and staff remained his priority, adding that the stable’s performance this season reflected a collective effort he was determined to see continue.

“My number one priority has always been, and will always be, the care of your horses and our team,” he said.

“This season to date, the combined efforts of everyone involved have delivered consistently strong performances and success. This is something I am extremely proud of, and I want to assure you that this level of care and performance will continue to be built upon.”

The disqualification carries immediate implications for the talented horseman, with horses accepted to start at Te Rapa on Friday and Ellerslie on Saturday scratched.