Racing bosses slam cheating, animal cruelty in industry

Victorian racing chiefs have spoken of the need to step up integrity of the sport in the wake of the Darren Weir scandal.

Disgraced trainer Darren Weir

Victorian racing chiefs have spoken of the need to step up integrity of the sport in the wake of the Darren Weir scandal.

Racing Victoria chairman Brian Kruger and Racing Minister Martin Pakula yesterday said cheating and animal cruelty had no place in the sport of kings.

And — after top trainer Weir was this week banned for four years in a controversy that has bruised racing’s reputation — they said the spotlight should shine brighter on the sport than ever.

Mr Kruger said the industry needed to use a collaborative approach to tackle the issue.

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Disgraced trainer Darren Weir.

“Our efforts in those areas are absolutely fundamental to the future success of racing,’’ he said.

“I do believe our integrity team ... does an outstanding job identifying and prosecuting breaches of the rules of racing.

“However, the industry needs to work together to become effective in breaches in integrity occurring in the workplace.

“And that will be a priority for the Racing Victoria board and management in coming months.’’

Mr Pakula said the “challenging week for racing” should send a strong signal that anyone considering cheating should expect to be caught and punished.

“Participants in our industry do need to understand that the harsh light of opprobrium may well fall upon them if they do the wrong thing,’’ he said.

A horse trained by Darren Weir.

“If that acts as a disincentive to others, the industry is all the stronger for it.’’

Mr Pakula said the scandal should not overshadow the impact racing had on the state economy.

“The growth in this industry and its contribution to the state is real, is important,’’ he said.

“Thoroughbred racing alone supports something like 25,000 jobs across the state and it contributes over $3 billion in real economic activity to Victoria every year.

“And that is why, as well as shining the bright light of scrutiny on indiscretions, we need to also celebrate the great things that racing contributes not just to our economy but our cultural life and to the tradition and history of our state.’’

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