Former trainer Todd Balfour has been handed a five-year disqualification by Racing SA stewards after a misconduct incident at the Kangaroo Island racecourse in February.
Balfour admitted to engaging in improper conduct when he embarrassed a Racing SA compliance officer by pulling down his pants during breathalyser tests, exposing him in front of attendees.
Despite Balfour’s previous offences, stewards considered his long service in the industry, his forthrightness during the inquiry, and his remorse, including an apology to the officer.
However, the severity of the act and its impact on the official led stewards to initially consider a 10-year ban, ultimately reduced to five years due to Balfour’s guilty plea and personal circumstances.
Balfour, with a history of 57 wins as a trainer and a brief career as a jumps jockey, is expected to appeal the decision.
