Ashburton RC 8 July 2021 – R 1 – Sanu Toolooa

EVIDENCE:

Mr Toolooa was charged that he failed to ride his mount, RUSSIAN FABLE, out when having a reasonable chance of finishing in 4^th placing, being beaten by a nose.

Mr Davidson had Mr Oatham show a video replay of the final stages of the Race. He pointed out RUSSIAN FABLE, ridden by Mr Toolooa, racing in 4^th position on the running rail approaching the finish of the race. Mr Oatham showed that, some two strides from the finishing line, Mr Toolooa relaxed his ride and stood in the saddle. PETE THE DRIVER (L J Allpress), finishing on wider on the track, got up to take 4^th placing off RUSSIAN FABLE on the line, the official margin between 4^th and 5^th being a nose.

Mr Toolooa did not wish to say anything.

Mr Hughes, trainer of RUSSIAN FABLE, said that it was momentary lapse of concentration by Mr Toolooa. He had been told to ride a horse past the winning post, not to the winning post. He had ridden well up until that stage, Mr Hughes said.

Mr Walsh said that it was a clear-cut case, but not the worst. Had Mr Toolooa held 4^th by a nose he would have got away with a warning, he said.

REASON FOR DECISION:

Mr Toolooa had admitted the charge.

PENALTY SUBMISSIONS:

Mr Davidson said that the Penalty Guide provides for penalty for 4^th placing being deemed to have been lost of a 2-week suspension. The margin was only a nose, he said. Mr Toolooa has a clear record and has admitted the breach. Stewards saw a penalty in line with the Penalty Guide as being appropriate, Mr Davidson said.

Mr Toolooa sought a deferment until after the race meeting of South Canterbury RC on 16 July.

REASON FOR PENALTY:

The starting point for penalty for failing to ride out and losing 4^th placing was correctly pointed out by Mr Davidson as a 2-week suspension and the Committee sees that as being the appropriate penalty, notwithstanding Mr Toolooa’s good record and admission of the breach. There are no relevant aggravating factors.

CONCLUSION:

Suspended for 2 weeks from 17 July 2021 to 30 July 2021, both dates inclusive.