ZCZC
BSP-02
AUS-RACING
Champion Australia horse trainer faces ban over shock devices
SYDNEY, Feb 5, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Leading Australian trainer Darren Weir
faces a lengthy ban from racing after deciding not to fight charges of
possessing devices used to deliver electric shocks to horses, officials said
Tuesday.
Weir, a veteran of the sport, is renowned for training the Prince of
Penzance, which female jockey Michelle Payne rode to victory in the 2015
Melbourne Cup.
He was arrested by police with two other men last week over allegations of
corruption in racing before being released.
At a hearing by Racing Victoria late Monday, Weir said he would not contest
three charges of possessing the Taser-like “jiggers”, which are used to
prompt a horse to perform better on the track.
His stable foreman Jarrod McLean said at the same hearing that he would
contest the charge made against him of possessing a jigger.
Racing Victoria stewards said that “given the severity of the charges”
against Weir, they were seeking to suspend him from training for four years.
He will be barred from entering or racing any horses as a trainer or owner
until the charges are determined, Racing Victoria’s executive general manager
for integrity Jamie Stier said in a statement Tuesday.
Weir last week was issued with a show cause notice by Racing NSW to explain
to the neighbouring state’s racing body why he should not be disciplined
after the Victoria allegations emerged.
“Racing NSW is on record time and again as saying integrity and welfare in
this industry is paramount,” Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’landys said
in a statement.
BSS/AFP/GMR/0815 hrs