Racing identity Todd Balfour disqualified for five years over bizarre ‘dacking’ incident at Kangaroo Island racecourse

A well-known racing identity as been disqualified for five years after he “dacked” a compliance officer in a bizarre incident that left the officer distressed.

A well-known racing identity has been disqualified for five years after he “dacked” a compliance officer in a bizarre incident at Kangaroo Island racecourse last month.

The Racing SA officer was conducting breathalyser testing at 7pm on February 16 when Todd Balfour approached him from behind.

Todd Balfour with his horse Sean Baile Mor.

“Without his consent (he) pulled his pants down and, in doing so, fully exposed him from the waist down to a number of parties present,” a Racing SA stewards’ report said.

The Balfour family is synonymous with racing in South Australia. Balfour’s father, David, was a successful trainer and his brother, Ryan, also trains horses.

Todd Balfour, who was a licensed stable worker/track rider for the 2023/24 season, pleaded guilty to engaging in improper conduct.

In determining his penalty, the stewards noted Balfour had prior misconduct offences but said the “historical nature” of the matters mean they were not considered to be aggravating factors.

Todd Balfour, right, with fellow trainer David Hayes at Sandown in 2016. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

“Stewards also had regard for his forthrightness at the inquiry, his long standing involvement in the industry, his personal circumstances and the fact that he showed remorse for his conduct which included an apology to the Racing SA compliance officer,” the report said.

However, the stewards also took into account the serious nature of the conduct and the distress that was caused to the official involved.

“Objectively viewed, by any reasonable person, such conduct would be considered reprehensible and extremely inappropriate,” the stewards said.

Balfour would have been handed a longer disqualification of 10 years if not for his guilty plea and personal circumstances. He has a right of appeal.

Todd Balfour with racehorse Sean Baile Mor.

In 2021, Balfour was caught by police driving an unregistered and uninsured vehicle while almost three times the blood-alcohol limit.

He pleaded guilty in the Mount Barker Magistrates Court to driving with excess blood alcohol and was issued a licence suspension and a $900 fine.