South Canterbury RC 9 October 2025 – R5 – Sanu Toolooa
ID: RIB59408
Animal Name:
DIAMOND RIVIERE
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
09/10/2025
Race Club:
South Canterbury Racing Club
Race Location:
Phar Lap Raceway - State Highway 1, Washdyke, Timaru,
Race Number:
R5
Hearing Date:
09/10/2025
Hearing Location:
Timaru
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Sanu Toolooa was fined the sum of $500
Evidence
Following the running of Race 5, the Respondent Class A Rider, Sanu Toolooa admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres in “that he struck his mount DIAMOND RIVIERE 8 times prior to the 100m.”
Rule 638(3)(g)(i) provides that in a Flat Race a Rider must not:
(i) strike a horse with a whip more than 5 times prior to the 100-metre mark (other than in a slapping motion down the shoulder with the whip hand remaining on the reins);
The Respondent acknowledged he understood the Rule and confirmed his admission of the breach.
Using the available race films, Stipendiary Steward Veronica Fisher, with the assistance of Stipendiary Steward Mark Davidson, demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount 8 times from near the 300m to the 100-metre mark. She added that Mr Toolooa struck DIAMOND RIVIERE on a further 3 occasions prior to the post.
Mr Toolooa stated that he got excited when in contention over the concluding stages and forgot to keep count of his whip strikes.
Decision
As the Respondent Mr Toolooa admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved (Rule 915(1)(d) refers).
Submissions for Penalty
Mrs Fisher produced the Respondent Mr Toolooa’s record, which indicated a clear record.
Mrs Fisher stated the Penalty Guide for an initial breach of excessive whip use for 3 additional strikes, was a $500 fine and submitted that a fine commensurate with the Penalty Guide be considered as penalty.
Reasons for Penalty
The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature is set out below.
For breaches of the Whip Rule prior to the 100m mark:
1st offence starting point $500 fine where there are 3 additional strikes
This Adjudicative Committee determined that there were no aggravating factors to consider.
It was therefore determined that an appropriate penalty in this case was a $500 fine.
Conclusion
The Respondent Mr Toolooa, is therefore fined the sum of $500.
Decision Date: 09/10/2025
Publish Date: 13/10/2025