Dates set for Darren Weir’s ‘jigger’ hearing before Victorian Racing Tribunal

The dates for Darren Weir’s Victorian Racing Tribunal hearing on animal cruelty charges have been set.

Banned trainer Darren Weir.

Exiled trainer Darren Weir will face the Victorian Racing Tribunal in March next year to answer charges for the alleged use of jiggers on three horses in 2018.

A directions hearing was scheduled on Thursday but the VRT late Wednesday advised the parties agreed to vacate the administrative proceeding with dates set for next year.

Former stable staff Jarrod McLean and Tyson Kermond will also face fresh charges for being party to Weir’s acts of animal cruelty.

READ | Darren Weir hit with new charges over jigger use

The matter will be heard on March 18-22 before Judge John Bowman and two additional VRT members, to be advised in due course.

Weir, McLean and Kermond must “file and serve any lay or expert evidence upon which they rely” by December 22.

READ | Darren Weir back working with horses

Stewards have until February 29 “to file and serve any lay or expert evidence in reply”.

Racing Victoria in September levelled 10 new charges against Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Darren Weir, linked to the “use” of jiggers on three horses in 2018.

READ | Why Darren Weir can be racing’s latest redemption story

Weir has been working as a pre-trainer since a four-year disqualification, for animal cruelty and “possession” of electrical devices (jiggers) expired on February 6.

The charges stem from an inquiry stewards reactivated in December last year after new evidence, CCTV footage, was played before a hearing at the Warrnambool Magistrates’ Court.

Originally published as Dates set for Darren Weir’s ‘jigger’ hearing before Victorian Racing Tribunal