Animal cruelty charges could lead to huge ban

Jarrod McLean could be sidelined for months, possibly years, after this suspension.

Trainer Jarrod McLean, left, and stable employee William Hernan, centre, attend the Racing Victoria inquires in Melbourne

Jarrod McLean could be sidelined for months, possibly years, after the Group I-winning trainer was suspended by Racing Victoria stewards until police charges against him are heard.

McLean and stablehand Tyson Kermond have been barred until a total of 23 criminal charges against them relating to corruption and animal cruelty are determined in the Melbourne Magistrates Court.

It is understood McLean, who was Darren Weir’s Warrnambool stable foreman until February, is unlikely to appeal to the Victorian Racing Tribunal against the latest penalties.

A legal source estimates the determination of 33 charges against four men relating to possession of four jiggers — devices capable of shocking horses — could take until 2021 or longer.

It has been revealed one-time Melbourne Cup favourite Red Cardinal, Sandown Cup winner Yogi and expensive Japanese import Yogi are at the centre of the investigation.

All three horses are suspected of being struck with jiggers before races.

Charges against some of the accused relate to betting on horses based on the knowledge they had been “jigged” or “harped.”

McLean and Hernan, spent more than seven hours at RV headquarters during an inquiry on Thursday.

Kermond was given permission not to attend and was instead represented by lawyers.

They were all suspended for failing to answer stewards’ questions.

Hernan’s ban lasts until the matter can be heard by the Victorian Racing Tribunal.

McLean’s future is even clouded and the fate of his 26-strong team uncertain.

The Warrnambool horseman had three runners at today’s Ballarat meeting — Wish I Might, Lucky Mac and Pour Vous — but they have all been scratched.

The Herald Sun understands McLean had applied to RV to have his team transferred to fellow trainer John Brooks but the request has so far been denied.

Weir, who will be directed to reappear before stewards on a date to be fixed, faces nine criminal charges.

Thursday’s inquiry involving McLean was quickly closed to the media with steward Robert Montgomery approving Wheelahan’s request for a closed hearing after just 46 seconds.

After each of the three inquiries were dealt with, stewards reconvened to consider laying charges as McLean and Hernan waited outside.

The hearing, which started at 2pm yesterday, was twice adjourned and eventually finished after 9pm.

Herald Sun