Racing Victoria charges trainer Darren Weir, licence in jeopardy

All of star trainer Darren Weir’s horses have been withdrawn from weekend racing, and his licence is in jeopardy.

Darren Weir leaves Racing Victoria after being summoned to appear. Picture: Tony Gough

Darren Weir has been charged by Racing Victoria, putting the star trainer’s licence in jeopardy and his horses at risk of being barred from running.

Weir was hauled before Racing Victoria stewards yesterday followin­g his arrest and subsequent release on Wednesday during a police raid that allegedly uncovered four electronic shock devices known as jiggers in his stable­s, as well as an unlicensed firearm and a small amount of cocain­e.

After a lengthy hearing on Wednesday that stretched into the night, Weir was this afternoon charged under the rules of racing with three counts of possessing an electronic device capable of affecting the performance of a horse, one charge of failing to give evidence, failing to comply with a stewards direction and conduct prejudicial to the image, interests or welfare of racing.

Racing Victoria has ordered all horses trained by Weir, McLean and Kermond be withdrawn until the case against the trio resumes on Monday.

Nine of Weir’s horses have been withdrawn from tonight’s Moonee Valley race meet, while 11 have been withdrawn from Caulfield tomorrow.

‘A complex matter’

Racing Victoria Giles Thompson said today’s decision to charge star trainer Darren Weir was made in the best interest of the sport.

“This is a complex matter and that is why the stewards have taken the time to thoroughly consider the information available to them since Victoria Police executed their warrants on Wednesday and have today made decisions that they believe are in the best interests of Victorian racing.” he said.

“I understand that there are innocent parties impacted by this and I am sympathetic to the owners within Mr Weir’s and Mr McLean’s stables that have been affected by the decisions made today, however the integrity of the sport and its reputation must come first.”

Mr Thompson said stable staff had been contacted by the racing authority’s wellbeing service.

Weir’s colleagues, Jarrod McLean and Tyson Kermond, have also been charged.

Mr McLean was charged with one count of possessing a jigger (or electronic device), one charge of failing to give evidence, failing to comply with a stewards direction and conduct prejudicial to the image, interests or welfare of racing.

Mr Kermond was charged with one count of failing to give evidence and one count of failing to comply with the direction of a steward.

Racing Victoria issued a show cause notice to Mr Weir, Mr McLean and Mr Kermond and gave them until 4pm today to argue why their licences shouldn’t be suspended, why horses owned or trained by them should be allowed to race and why horses nominated by them should be allowed to race.

‘Business as usual’

Darren Weir Racing has reached out to its owners,

Weir’s long-time friend and Finance & Operations Manager Mick Leonard sent an email to all owners communicating the stable’s response to the day’s events.

“As you are most likely aware, Darren Weir Racing is the subject of an external review,” Leonard said in the statement to owners.

“At this time the investigation is ongoing.

“Our main aim is to ensure our owners are not disadvantaged by this process in any way, and accordingly it is business as usual in regards to the training and care of your horses.

“We will make a more detailed announcement as soon as possible and are hopeful that this will occur sometime tomorrow.

“Thank you for your ongoing support, consideration and loyalty to Darren Weir Racing,” Leonard added.