AusLeisure

Prominent horse trainer Darren Weir has received a four-year ban from racing having opted not to fight charges of possessing three outlawed electric-shock devices which can be used to mentally condition horses to run faster in races.

The charges were laid by Racing Victoria following joint raids with Victoria Police at several properties last week, including Weir's stables near Ballarat and Warrnambool.

Victoria Police seized four electric-shock devices, known as ‘jiggers’, during the raids as they run an active investigation into allegations relating to the corruption of betting results and animal cruelty.

Police officers also located an unregistered firearm and a small amount of cocaine while searching the properties.

Victoria Police have not yet laid any charges as part of that investigation.

Racing Victoria charged Weir with possession of the banned devices, along with engaging in conduct prejudicial to the image, interests or welfare of racing.

Stewards pushed for the 2015 Melbourne Cup winner to face a four-year suspension from the sport due to the seriousness of the charges.

With Weir having confirmed he would not be contesting the charges against him at a hearing with Racing Victoria on Monday afternoon, the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board handed down the penalty at a disciplinary hearing  this morning.

Racing Victoria Chief Executive Giles Thompson said further penalties may be sought against Weir depending on the outcome of ongoing investigations.

Thompson advised "Police will continue their investigations but our stewards will as well. Whatever action needs to be taken from that evidence, they will take.

Last Friday, stewards ordered all horses trained by Weir to be scratched from weekend races while about 70 racehorses managed by the nation's largest racehorse syndicate, Australian Bloodstock, are being pulled from Weir's stables near Ballarat

Racing Victoria has now given Weir 10 days to enter training sites to coordinate the transfer of all horses from his care.

Jarrod McLean, assistant trainer and foreman at Weir's Warrnambool stable, will contest a Racing Victoria charge for allegedly possessing a similar electric-shock device.

Racing Victoria will allow him to continue to train until his hearing.

Animal Justice Party MP Andy Meddick, a crossbencher in the Victoria's Upper House, called for a parliamentary inquiry into the industry.

Meddick advised “the (Racing Integrity Commissioner) does a particularly good job, but I don't think it has enough powers, I don't think it has enough reach.

"We have to be able to interview people, we have to be able to bring them before this inquiry and get real evidence."

However, Victorian Racing Minister Martin Pakula dismissed the idea of a parliamentary inquiry, telling the ABC “iIf we were to adopt the Animal Justice Party's position on the racing industry, there wouldn't be a racing industry

"What's occurred here is a demonstration the integrity arrangements we have in place are working."

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