Darren Weir charged, issued show cause notice by stewards in ‘jiggers’ probe
Thirty Darren Weir horses have been scratched over this weekend, throwing the racing world and betting markets into turmoil — and the record-breaking trainer may be rubbed out as early as Monday.
Thirty Darren Weir horse have been scratched, throwing the racing world and betting markets into turmoil — and the record-breaking trainer may be rubbed out as early as Monday.
Racing Victoria’s general manager of integrity, Jamie Stier, said: “Stewards are concerned about the seriousness of the threat posed by Mr Weir’s … alleged possession of an electronic apparatus.”
The extraordinary bans on 30 runners over this weekend leaves owners to consider finding new homes for star horses including Nature Strip, Extra Brut and Ringerdingding.
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The future of Weir’s crumbling empire will be decided on Monday, as Stier voiced alarm over the champion trainer’s possession of the illegal electric-shock “jiggers”.
Weir and stable employees Jarrod McLean and Tyson Kermond face 12 charges stemming from Wednesday’s dawn stable raids, which netted four jiggers, an unlicensed firearm and what is suspected to be cocaine.
RV has issued Weir and McLean with show-cause notices, asking the pair to justify why they should be allowed to continue to train.
All three men will appear before the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board, at a date to be fixed.
“This is a significant issue in terms of animal welfare and racing integrity,” said Stier.
“The investigation has caused considerable public concern, and has generated considerable negative publicity, bringing into question the impact on the image, interests and integrity of racing of Mr Weir and Mr McLean’s continued participation in racing pending the hearing of the charges,” he said.
“The stewards also have significant concerns regarding the adverse publicity relating to police involvement in relation to Mr Weir and Mr McLean’s training activities and the impact it is having on public confidence in racing.”
Weir had 11 runners entered at Caulfield, nine at The Valley, seven at Kyneton and three at Sale this weekend.
Stier said: “We understand the timing of this order has impacts for owners, punters and race clubs, whom we sympathise with, however, in the opinion of the stewards the integrity and reputation of the sport is paramount.”
Tabcorp wagering and media managing director Adam Rytenskild, in a statement on Friday night, said the scratchings would “impact betting and markets, but that’s a secondary consideration”.
“Tabcorp backs the racing industry in prioritising animal welfare and integrity in racing ... (which) is of paramount importance,” Mr Rytenskild said.
RV chief executive Giles Thompson said he was sympathetic to affected owners and stable staff.
“I understand that there are innocent parties impacted by this ... however the integrity of the sport and its reputation must come first,” Mr Thompson said.
“Whilst today’s events are significant, it is important to note that investigations remain ongoing and we will deal with any further information that may come to light.”
Weir and McLean have been ordered to return to RV headquarters on Monday to argue why they should not be stood down ahead of the disciplinary board hearing.
In a letter to owners on Friday night, Weir’s business manager Mick Leonard said the scratched horses would continue trackwork this weekend, and more details would follow on Monday.
“Darren is exploring his legal options, however, as the matter is subject to ongoing legal proceedings we are unable to comment further at this stage,” Leonard wrote.
The order to return to RV headquarters comes as Victoria Police consider laying criminal charges. Weir, McLean and Kermond were all arrested, interviewed and released without charge on Wednesday.
ANDREW RULE: ‘JIGGER’ NOTHING NEW TO RACING
Police and racing integrity figures say Weir will have difficulty avoiding criminal charges over the jiggers.
“If you own a house and something illegal is found there — and if no one else owns up — you’re responsible as the owner of the house,” one investigator said.
“The buck stops with him. He’s the principal of the business. What’s found there is his responsibility.”
Another experienced detective said that if — as the Herald Sun has been told — the devices were secured at the property, his situation would be even more challenging.
It is not known if Victoria Police will prepare a brief for Office of Public Prosecutions review, or move to charge. Animal cruelty is the principal focus of the inquiry, which has run for almost two years.
RISE AND FALL OF WEIR’S EMPIRE
Darren Weir’s descent into crisis — and possible expulsion from the racing industry — has been just as staggering as his rise to prominence.
Unknown in 1995, when he took out his licence as a one-horse trainer in Stawell, Weir has exploded to the summit of Australian racing.
He last season trained a Commonwealth (read world) record 491 winners.
He amassed Group 1 features seemingly at will as his vast army of equine superstars laid waste to every other horse in the country, bar Winx.
His empire grew improbably from the most humble origins.
The bush battler from Berriwillock with an insatiable appetite for success — and a work ethic to match — became racing’s feel-good story.
Although, not everywhere.
With every Weir success, the mutterings became louder.
At least one racing hall of famer has repeatedly questioned the legitimacy of Weir’s incredible progress.
Others scoff at the supposedly magical powers of Warrnambool’s sand dunes, making the point there are almost another 60 trainers in the southwest — but none with Weir’s strike rate.
A former Weir employee approached the Herald Sun about 18 months ago with disturbing allegations about stable practices. The employee was convinced Weir’s success was due to something more than supremely fit and sound horses producing their best — time and time again.
About two years ago, RV’s integrity unit had become aware of elements in the industry potentially acting outside the law.
RV’s compliance and assurance team swarmed over certain stables.
Last year, Victoria Police became involved. On Wednesday, a combined taskforce comprised of Victoria Police, the Australian Federal Police and RV stewards launched a simultaneous raid in Ballarat and Warrnambool.
On Friday, 12 charges were laid. Weir faces six charges, Jarrod McLean four and Tyson Kermond two.
Depending on what happens next, Weir’s career is at the crossroads.
There are those in racing who still believe in him. There are others who want him out. Permanently.
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Originally published as Darren Weir charged, issued show cause notice by stewards in ‘jiggers’ probe
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