Mick Leonard steps up to take charge of Darren Weir’s Ballarat stables

Darren Weir’s operations manager Mick Leonard has taken over as caretaker trainer at Weir’s Ballarat stables as Peter Moody ruled out returning to training ranks.

DARREN Weir’s operations manager Mick Leonard has taken over as caretaker trainer at Weir’s Ballarat stables as Peter Moody ruled out returning to training ranks.

Leonard has a background in accounting and also has a trainers licence as operator of Millwater Agistment Farm, where many Weir horses spell.

WEIR’S FOUR-YEAR BAN SET TO BE CONFIRMED

COMMENT: FAIRYTALE STORY ENDS IN JEERS

Leonard’s elevation to the lead training role came after Racing Victoria approved the transfer ahead of Weir’s career-ending appearance before the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board on Wednesday.

Weir will not contest six serious charges relating to the discovery of jiggers and prejudicial conduct.

Leonard said the crumbling Weir stable would soon look to appoint a permanent replacement.

Darren Weir is facing a four-year ban after being charged by stewards. Picture: AAP

The Herald Sun has confirmed Moody, who trained unbeaten superstar Black Caviar and a host of other stars before shutting down his Caulfield stables in 2016 after copping a six-month ban for unintentionally administering his horse Lidari with a product that produced excessive cobalt levels, has no intention of taking up a role at the former Weir stables.

But there is growing speculation Caulfield-based Ciaron Maher and David Eustace could fill the breach.

Flemington’s Nigel Blackiston is also believed to be contemplating taking up some boxes at Ballarat.

Leonard said: “As an interim measure I, Mick Leonard, have been approved by RVL stewards as caretaker trainer for Forest Lodge.

Horses from Darren Weir’s stables have been transferred to new trainers. Picture: Jay Town

“The stables are able to be used whilst we negotiate for a new trainer to take over the Forest Lodge operation.

“Discussions between Ballarat Turf Club and these trainers are well advanced and we hope for an announcement as soon as possible.

“The trainer most likely to take over is a person of high regard in the industry. Naturally, your option to subsequently select a different trainer of your choice is not affected by the interim arrangements.

“Any horse in the early and middle stages of its preparation will continue to be trained at Forest Lodge.

“Our existing staff will care for these horses with the same skill, knowledge and commitment that they have always demonstrated. In the interim we are not allowed to trial or race horses.

Peter Moody has ruled out returning to the training ranks. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

“This is obviously a period of great duress for the stable and our staff in particular. We would very much appreciate our owners’ continued support whilst we arrange the transfer of our premises to the incoming trainer.

“This support will ensure our staff are employed on an ongoing basis, which is a major concern of myself, Darren and Racing Authorities.”

The exodus of quality gallopers continues from Weir’s stables as the besieged trainer’s stable is dismantled ahead of a possible four-year disqualification.

The champion trainer has told stewards, through lawyers, he won’t contest the charges after stewards indicated they would push for a four-year ban at the RAD Board.

Lindsay Park is the beneficiary of Weir’s downfall with Fifty Stars, an entry for Saturday’s Group 1 Orr Stakes, transferring from Ballarat to Euroa.

Fifty Stars has joined the David Hayes stable. Picture: AAP

Raced by Melbourne Cup-winning owner Gerry Ryan, Fifty Stars will be accompanied to Lindsay Park by Furrion and Crimson Tears.

Ryan has been Weir’s long-standing patron.

Lindsay Park had earlier picked up Chauffeur, Amphitrite and Hawkshot.

Mick Price confirmed Group 2 winner Leonardo da Hinchi will arrive at his stables on Wednesday morning. “There are some really nice horses (coming), and I’ve had good support from some of the owners there,” Price said.

Price said he was keen to expand on his Warrnambool facilities, especially for his older horses: “It will be Caulfield and Warrnambool (for the next five years) and then it will be Cranbourne and Warrnambool.”

Brave Smash will contest the Orr Stakes for Kris Lees.