Darren Weir banned from racing for 4 years following electric shock inquiry


Darren Weir, one of Australia’s top trainers has been disqualified from racing for four years after the discovery of three electrical apparatus were found in his bedroom.

Weir’s stables were raided on January 30 by stewards and officers from Victoria Police’s sports integrity unit. The electrical equipment found, also known as “jiggers”, are used in conjunction with a whip to try to stimulate a horse to run faster.  

The Melbourne Cup-winning trainer, 48, appeared in front of the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary (RAD) Board. He faced 6 charges, including three of possessing the jiggers, one of conduct prejudicial to the image of racing, failure to give evidence at an inquiry and failure to comply with a direction of the stewards. The three-person panel concluded on a 4 year disqualification penalty.

Judge John Bowman stated “Now you will be remembered for possessing instruments of cruelty and implements associated with a high level of cheating. This is clearly a significant breach of the rules.”

Weir opted not to fight the Racing Victoria charges relating to the jiggers. His legal representative, Patrick Wheelahan said Weir felt terrible about the situation and his decision not to contest the charges showed his remorse.

You may also like

View All

The Open to employ Spidercam on 18th green at Portrush

For the first time in golf history, The Open will utilise Spidercam technology, and it will be used on the 18th green at the Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland

Read More

ECHR declares Semenya was violated by Swiss Supreme Court

Europe’s top court, the European Court of Human Rights, has declared that DSD athlete and double 800m Olympic champion Caster Semenya was not given the right to a fair hearing by the Swiss Federal Supreme Court in 2020 after World Athletics barred her from competing

Read More

Table Tennis England Transgender Policy consultation open

Table Tennis England has devised a Transgender Policy and is seeking feedback via a consultation period which is open until 20 July 2025

Read More

Newsletter Signup

Please enter your email address below: