Racing Victoria stewards want former trainer Darren Weir to serve at least a 10-year ban for using a ‘jigger’ on three racehorses during the 2018 Victorian spring carnival.
In a Victorian Racing Tribunal penalty hearing in Melbourne, stewards sought a long-term disqualification to send a clear message to the racing industry.
Weir pleaded guilty to seven animal cruelty charges when he fronted the VRT on March 18.
The Melbourne Cup-winning trainer had served a four-year ban for possessing and using ‘jiggers’ and engaging in conduct prejudicial to the image, interests, or welfare of racing.
Weir has been pre-training racehorses for some of Australia’s biggest stables since that disqualification was completed in February 2023.
Weir and stable employees Jarrod McLean and Tyson Kermond appeared before the Warrnambool Magistrates' Court in December 2022, pleading guilty to animal abuse charges.
Ian Hill KC told Monday’s hearing that giving Weir another ban from racing would cost the trainer his pre-training business.
RV stewards also sought a ban of no fewer than seven years for McLean and Kermond.
Judge Bowman said his tribunal panel would reserve a decision on penalty until a later date.
