SA trainer Ryan Balfour has trainer’s license cancelled

Adelaide trainer Ryan Balfour has had his trainer’s license cancelled.

Trainer Ryan Balfour. Picture: Brett Holburt/Racing Photos via Getty Images

Adelaide trainer Ryan Balfour has had his trainer’s license cancelled.

Balfour, who was handed a training ban in October due to a cobalt offence, attended a show cause hearing regarding his training license on October 31.

Balfour was represented by legal counsel at the hearing, with an extension of time granted until November 5, enabling the Morphettville-based trainer to provide material and evidence to a specific matter raised at the sitting.

Balfour provided comment on various matters, including whether or not recent matters gave rise to the exercising of powers under rule AR23, which relates to suspension pending of the hearing and determination of a charge.

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In a statement released by Racing SA, the rule states: “Without limiting any other rules or Stewards’ powers, if a person has been charged with a breach of the Rules or with the commission of an indictable criminal offence, and if the Stewards are of the opinion that the continued participation of that person in racing might pose an unacceptable risk of prejudicing the image, interests, integrity or welfare of racing, the Stewards may pending the hearing and determination of the charge:

(a) suspend any licence, registration, right or privilege, granted to that person under these Australian Rules;

(b) prevent any horse owned (or part-owned) or leased by that person from participating in any race or official trial;

(c) order that any registration of the transfer of ownership and/or training of a horse related to that person be prevented or suspended;

(d) make any other direction or order the Stewards think fit in the interests of racing.”

Balfour was also asked to speak on his financial circumstances, his control, management and engagement in his stable operations and the “fit and proper person” considerations relating to licensed and registered persons.

With all the aforementioned information considered, stewards made the decision to cancel Balfour’s license effective immediately.

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The cancellation means all nominations from his stable will be declined, nominations already submitted are rejected and nomination fees refunded.

The statement shed further light on Balfour’s cancellation, and the welfare of his horses.

“The cancellation of Mr. Balfour’s licence to train is indefinite. Mr. Balfour may choose to reapply for a licence to train in the future,” the statement said.

“There are no concerns about the welfare of any horses which will remain at Mr. Balfour’s stables under the care of his staff. Racing SA’s welfare team will monitor and assist where required.

“Mr. Balfour is making arrangements for horses to be placed with other trainers. His training status does not necessarily impact his ownership eligibility.”

Balfour intends to lodge an appeal against the decision with the Racing SA Board.

Balfour has trained 401 winners during his 21 year career, where his career highlight was Li’l Kontra’s win in the 2019 Group 3 National Stakes while his last winner was Willaston on the Morphettville Parks track in October.

Originally published as SA trainer Ryan Balfour has trainer’s license cancelled