'Darren Weir disqualification shows there is no-one bigger than the game'

The rise and fall of Darren Weir is a story for the ages. The rags-to-riches journey of a bloke from the bush who went from riding into Stawell in rural Victoria on horseback some 30 years ago to running the biggest stable in Australia is the stuff of legend.

"Back Weir, drink beer" was a war cry championed by punters across the land, knowing that a Weir-trained runner was always the one to beat, especially in a race it had been set out for.

He was a colourful character, one who had brushes with stewards in his early days but who had come good, reaping the rewards for a life's hard work. Now, he is in exile after being disqualified for four years.

A rumour was never far away from Weir but rumours don't always amount to much. Yet the rumour about 'jiggers' gained momentum over the past few months, and were eventually exposed as real when police raided properties on Wednesday.

Weir's disqualification is for possession of three jiggers, electronic devices that are considered an animal welfare issue as well as tarnishing the image of racing.

This case was not tried on the use of jiggers; just having them is a breach of the rules and that is bad enough.

What is a jigger?

A 'jigger' is the local name for an electronic device, usually used with a whip, and is designed to deliver an electronic shock to the horse in a bid to produce a better performance on the track.

Stewards have yet to indicate whether they have evidence to suggest that jiggers have been used on horses in Weir's care. The RAD board ruled on Wednesday: "This is not necessarily the end of the matter. If further information comes to hand which leads to the laying of further charges, they can be heard."

Those who have seen the effects of a jigger comment on how a horse's natural behaviour can change, especially when touched around the neck, and that riding styles in races would need to mimic how the jigger is used in training. This could include extravagant action, such as a rub of the neck, before the whip is produced.

It is safe to say that Weir's records will be regarded in a different light. How much of it is tainted? Since the 2000-01 racing season, his horses have amassed A$146 million (c£80m) in prize-money, highlighted by 36 Group 1 victories and he has trained a staggering 3,542 races in his career.

Prince Of Penzance winning the Melbourne Cup under Michelle PayneCredit: Getty Images

More than 600 named horses were in his care, across three stables in Ballarat, Warrnambool and Maldon. He had 150 employees, from all walks of life, who were given an opportunity they would not necessarily have received elsewhere.

The transformation of his operation, as bigger owners and syndication companies sent him horses, has been unrivalled in racing. It seemed that everyone wanted to race a horse with 'Weiry'.

Weir rose through the ranks, from having a small stable of poorly bred stock, to gaining the best of Australian, New Zealand, European and Japanese-bred stock.

He won feature races with sprinters, milers, middle-distance and stayers. Weir could enhance a filly or mare's pedigree page while also developing stallion prospects. He had the master touch.

Weir proved to be a champion trainer by results and, by all accounts, a champion person by those who dealt with him. He will have his defenders and those who know the man will be reluctant to kick him now he is down.

But the link to jiggers is a cause for concern for all involved in racing. Any owner who is comfortable with a jigger being attached to a stable, potentially used on a horse, should find another interest. It is simply unacceptable. It is an animal welfare issue and rightly so. It is a disgusting trait, a link back to a dark past, and has no place in modern-day racing.

The fact the biggest trainer in the country and one of the most marketable racing personalities has been found guilty of such a charge is appalling.

Darren Weir: rags-to-riches taleCredit: Vince Caligiuri

I have dealt with Weir in a media environment for close to 15 years. He has always been a pleasant, accommodating and engaging person to deal with. I don't know him outside of that work environment but, as many have attested to, he is an utterly likeable person. But he has now cast a dark light on the racing industry.

Racing Victoria and the police have taken on one of the biggest names in the sport and they should be applauded for their work in making integrity a central pillar for racing. The four-year disqualification given to Weir shows no-one is bigger than the game.

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