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

WADA publishes stakeholder and athlete feedback from third phase of 2027 Code review

WADA has published its stakeholder feedback from the Third Consultation Phase of the 2027 WADA Code and International Standards Update Process and from the Athlete-Centered Consultation on the same subject

Read More

UPenn reaches settlement with Trump admin regarding transgender participation

The University of Pennsylvania will prohibit transgender women from the women’s sport category after reaching a settlement with the Trump administration

Read More

World Athletics v Wilfried Happio

A decision in the case of World Athletics against Wilfried Happio has been issued by the World Athletics Disciplinary and Appeals Tribunal

Read More

Newsletter Signup

Please enter your email address below: