Sydney  - Three pint-sized jockeys were handed one-year bans from flying on Australia's Regional Express airline Tuesday after defying the cabin crew and drinking four beers each on a one-hour flight from Adelaide to Mount Gambier.

They were returning from an all-day seminar on the dangers of heavy drinking, paid for by employer Thoroughbred Racing South Australia.

Police were called to meet the flight at Mount Gambier after flight attendants alleged that the trio also refused to wear seat belts.

The three have been banned from racing for a month and fined 500 Australian dollars (400 US dollars) apiece. (dpa)