Waimate RC 10 June 2025 – R1 – Sanu Toolooa

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 1, the Respondent Class A Rider Sanu Tooloola admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that as the Rider of BLUSHING “he allowed his mount to shift ground inwards when not sufficiently clear passing the 1200m, checking RAKHMET (L Callaway).”  

The Respondent 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 race films, Stipendiary Steward Veronica Fisher, with the assistance of Stipendiary Steward Rebecca Haley, demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned. Ms Haley pointed out Mr Toolooa, riding BLUSHING, racing 2 wide approaching the 1200m with RAKHMET, ridden by Lee Callaway, racing on the rail and to the inside of Mr Toolooa. The replays showed Mr Toolooa shift in to a rails position and when doing so, was not clear of Mr Callaway, who had to check.

In response, the Respondent elected to make no submissions in regard to the incident.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward Mrs Fisher produced the Respondent’s riding record, which indicated a clear record over the previous 12 month reset period.

Mrs Fisher said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the low-range and submitted a starting point as per the Penalty Guide of a 5 day suspension. She added that Mr Toolooa had been away overseas recently and this was his first day back riding.

In terms of any proposed penalty, the Respondent elected to make no submissions, apart from requesting any suspension begin as soon as possible.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined the Respondent’s carelessness to be in the low range and accordingly, adopted a 5-day suspension as the starting point. This conforms with the NZTR Penalty Guide.

The Respondent’s riding record is treated as a mitigating factor and together with his frank admission of the breach, warrants a combined discount, which was set at 1 day.

After consideration of the above factors, a 4-day suspension was imposed.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 4 national days, commencing after racing today, 10 June 2025 and concluding after racing on 18 June 2025.