Darren Weir’s four-year ban set to be confirmed after he did not contest Racing Victoria charges

Embattled trainer Darren Weir’s four-year ban from racing is set to be confirmed on Wednesday after he did not contest charges stemming from police and Racing Victoria raids last week.

Darren Weir’s expulsion from racing is likely to be formalised Wednesday morning.

Facing a four-year disqualification, Weir will have his charges heard at 8.30am by the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board.

Australia’s largest trainer has decided not to contest serious charges relating to possession of “jiggers”, or electronic apparatus, after being told stewards intend imposing the four-year ban.

Mindful of the disruption to hundreds of stable staff and suppliers and owners, Racing Victoria stewards sought to “determine the charges laid against Mr Weir at the earliest opportunity.”

If the RAD Board enforces the stewards’ disqualification request, Weir will be subject to wide-ranging restrictions.

WEIR CHARGED, ISSUED SHOW CAUSE NOTICE IN PROBE

BIG WEIR WINS PROBED, STAR HORSES WITHDRAWN

Darren Weir and Jarrod McLean arrive at Racing Victoria. Picture: Getty Images

These include bans on attending race-courses and stables.

Weir’s assistant trainer Jarrod McLean has vowed to fight four charges over the discovery of a jigger at his Yangery property.

Weir, 48, is already subject to restrictions from stewards, including an order to “divest himself of any registered ownership interest in a registered horse, prior to that horse being permitted to accept for any race.”

McLean is allowed to continue training, but is not allowed to take over the training of any horses previously trained by Weir as of January 30, 2019.

Embattled trainer Darren Weir arrives at Racing Victoria amid speculation he is preparing to surrender his training licence ⁦@theheraldsun⁩ pic.twitter.com/iBVI1e6auV

— a a ɹ o n (@aaronlangmaid) February 4, 2019

Two charges against Weir stablehand Tyson Kermond were not pursued.

RV executive general manager of integrity Jamie Stier said: “This is a complex matter and the stewards were determined to be thorough and give due consideration to the submissions made, their legal advice and the ongoing investigations.

“Darren Weir is facing serious charges of possessing three electrical apparatuses and conduct prejudicial to the interests or image of racing.

“He has advised the stewards that he will not contest those charges which have drawn considerable negative publicity to the sport.

Horses being removed from Darren Weir’s Miners Rest stables on Saturday. Picture: Jay Town

“To that end, stewards have requested that the RAD Board expedite the hearing of Mr Weir’s charges at which point they will be seeking a four-year disqualification.

“Until such time as the RAD Board convenes to hear and determine Mr Weir’s charges, the stewards have imposed strict conditions on his licence that ensure he is not permitted to enter or race any horses as a trainer or owner.”

Mr Stier said that McLean would also have restrictions, but was allowed to continue to operate.

“On the basis that Mr McLean advised the stewards that he will contest the charges against him, significant conditions have also been imposed on his operation until such time as the charges have been heard and determined by the RAD Board,” he said.

“In reaching these positions on the show cause notices, the stewards note that investigations remain ongoing and that they reserve the right to act upon any new evidence that comes to hand during the course of those investigations.”

Weir and McLean spent more than 12 hours at Flemington as part of a show cause hearing following the discovery of four jiggers, an unlicensed gun and what is believed to be cocaine, during stable raids last week.

Tyson Kermond. Picture: Colleen Petch.

Weir and McLean were last week charged with failing to give evidence and failing to comply with stewards’ directions in an adjourned inquiry on Friday.

Victoria Police is conducting a separate investigation.

Police arrested the three men on Wednesday before releasing them without charge.

The police investigation is ongoing.

The winner of the past five Victorian premierships, Weir’s training career is in ruin.

The fallout from the investigation saw strings of top-line gallopers removed from Weir’s stable over the weekend.

A host of Group 1 horses, including VRC Derby winner Extra Brut, Toorak Handicap winner Land Of Plenty and Thousand Guineas victory Amphitrite, have been transferred to other trainers.

The exodus will continue after the RAD Board hears Weir’s case.

Negotiations are believed to have already taken place between Ballarat Turf Club and at least two key trainers interested in taking over Weir’s boxes at Dowling Forest.

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