Darren Weir’s hopes of returning from a four-year disqualification in February are in doubt, after Racing Victoria confirmed it was reactivating an investigation into Weir for using a jigger on three horses in October, 2018.
The Melbourne Cup-winning trainer was found guilty of animal cruelty in the Warrnambool Magistrates Court on Wednesday, and fined $36,000, but avoided a criminal conviction.
Darren Weir’s hopes of returning in February are in doubt.Credit:Jason South
But footage of Weir, trainer Jarrod McLean and stablehand Tyson Kermond using a jigger on Yogi, Red Cardinal and Tosen Basil a week out from the 2018 Melbourne Cup will now be considered by stewards as part of another investigation into Weir’s practises.
A 15-minute clip was played in court on Wednesday, which showed Weir using the jigger at least seven times on each horse while they ran on a treadmill, while Kermond stood behind them and hit them with a piece of black poly piping, to simulate the sound of a whip.
All three horses wore blinkers while on the treadmill, with McLean also involved.
If charged again by stewards, Weir faces another disqualification, which would extend his four-year absence from the sport.
Weir was handed a four-year ban at the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board in February 2019, but chair, judge John Bowman, made it clear on several occasions that his penalty related only to the possession – and not use – of jiggers, as well as a charge of bringing the image of racing into disrepute.
Racing Victoria’s executive general manager of integrity Jamie Stier said stewards will now determine whether they will charge Weir, as well as McLean and Kermond, with further breaches of the rules of racing. McLean has no intention to return to racing, however Kermond does hope to ride trackwork again.
“The original penalties related to the possession charges and that matter proceeded on the evidence that was available at that time,” Stier said.
“Following yesterday’s open court hearing, there’s been further evidence come to light.
Darren Weir has avoided a criminal conviction for animal cruelty.Credit:Justin McManus
“In October 2019, the stewards actually opened an inquiry into the criminal charges laid by the police, so that inquiry has been sitting there open.
“The stewards have reactivated their inquiry now, and they will now consider any evidence that becomes available to them.”
Yogi and Red Cardinal both competed during Melbourne Cup week, just days after being abused by Weir, and could also be disqualified from the races they competed in. Red Cardinal ran last in the Melbourne Cup and did not win any prizemoney, however Yogi won $6000 for finishing seventh in the Hotham Handicap on Derby day.
When handing down the four-year penalty in February 2019, judge Bowman said: “This is not necessarily the end of the matter.”
“If further information comes to hand which leads to the laying of further charges, they can be heard,” he said.
“We emphasise again the charges laid against you are charges of possession of the jiggers, not using them, but that still leaves you facing very serious charges. However, it is a distinction to be borne in mind.”
Weir’s lawyer Ian Hill QC told the court on Wednesday that Weir hoped to return to racing once again.
“He has been … severely punished in a number of ways already, and with hope and support of some in the racing industry, that he will one day be able to be re-licenced,” Hill said.
