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.