Weir issued two-year disqualification
Darren Weir has been handed an additional two-year ban for animal cruelty relating to the use of an electrical device, known as a jigger, on three of his horses.
Weir was originally banned for four years after a CCTV video captured him using a jigger at his Warrnambool yard in October 2019.
The video reportedly shows horses on a treadmill wearing blinkers. The horses – Tosen Basil (Harbinger), Red Cardinal (Montjeu) and Yogi (Raise The Flag)– are successively seen being hit with a plastic tube before they are then shocked with the electrical device by Weir.
The ex-trainer’s initial ban ended in February last year, but stewards for Racing Victoria had last month pushed for a ten-year disqualification to be imposed at a Victoria Racing Tribunal. Weir’s legal team argued no further punishment was needed as he had not trained since his ban ended.
As well as Weir receiving a two-year ban, his former assistant Jarrod McLean and Tyson Kermond, a member of stable staff, were banned for 18 months and six months respectively for their roles in assisting Weir.
RV chair, Tim Eddy, said: “Darren Weir, Jarrod McLean and Tyson Kermond’s conduct struck at the heart of the two pillars upon which the horse racing industry stands – animal welfare and integrity.
“The industry’s social licence depends upon the reality and the perception that racehorses are not mistreated, and that races are conducted on an even playing field without contraventions of the Rules of Racing.
“The actions of the individuals in this case not only severely damaged racing’s reputation, but also tarnished the image of hard-working, rule-abiding individuals in our industry who devote their lives to the horses and act for the betterment of the sport.
“Judge Bowman today described their conduct as abhorrent and deserving of condemnation. We wholeheartedly agree. There is absolutely no place for jiggers in horse racing.
“Acts of cruelty on horses deserve widespread condemnation and perpetrators to be penalised. The community expects no less of racing. Yogi, Tosen Basil and Red Cardinal deserved no less.”
The VRT adjourned the matter to make a future determination on the dates from which each of Weir, McLean and Kermond’s periods of disqualification take effect. The VRT directed the parties to file written submissions over coming weeks and advised that a directions hearing would be held on or before August 16, 2024, if required.
Weir was initially disqualified for four years on a charge of possession of a jigger, a penalty that expired early in 2023. Weir has not been a licensed trainer since serving that initial ban but has operated a pre-training operation at Trevenson Park.
The latest disqualification means Weir will no longer be able to oversee that business but a seven-day stay of proceedings was granted so alternate arrangements could be made for the operation.