Weir hit with ten new charges
Darren Weir has been hit by ten new charges by Racing Victoria stewards, effectively throwing an attempted comeback to the training ranks into disarray.
Following the new charges against him, the former champion trainer now faces another lengthy ban from racing following Thursday’s charges, which relate to allegations of corruption, dishonesty and misleading behaviour and the care and welfare of horses.
It follows a new investigation, which has taken stewards some seven months, with statements taken from a significant number of people. Weir received a four-year ban for possession of electric shock devices by racing stewards in 2019.
Weir later pleaded guilty to three animal cruelty charges in Warrnambool Magistrates Court, with the key evidence in his criminal proceedings included video evidence of Weir, his former stable manager Jarrod McLean and ex-stablehand Tyson Kermond using an electronic device on three horses.
The charges relate to allegations of the use of an electrical device on Red Cardinal (Montjeu), Tosen Basil (Harbinger) and Yogi (Raise The Flag).
“On or about 30 October 2018, on each horse Mr Weir used an electric or electronic apparatus capable of affecting their performance in a race [the Apparatus],” the stewards report said.
“Mr Weir applied the Apparatus to Red Cardinal, Tosen Basil and Yogi with the intention of affecting their performance, and thereby affecting their results in future races.”
“On or about 30 October 2018, Mr Weir applied the Apparatus to each of the Horses on numerous occasions. In doing so, Mr Weir engaged in action that was improper or dishonourable in connection with racing,” the statement read.
McLean and Kermond were also charged by RV stewards on Thursday and will face ten separate charges.
Weir has been involved in the pre-training of horses and his return to the sport has been a hotly debated topic amongst many leading industry professionals.