Former champion trainer Darren Weir to stand trial over conspiracy charges

Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Darren Weir and his former stable workers Tyson Kermond and Jarrod McLean will stand trial, accused of conspiring to cheat and defraud Racing Victoria stewards.

The trio pleaded not guilty to all indictable charges via a videolink hearing in the Ballarat Magistrates Court.

Weir, Kermond, and McLean were allegedly caught by police surveillance cameras using an electronic “jigger” device on the thoroughbreds Yogi, Red Cardinal, and Tosen Basil during the 2018 Spring Racing Carnival.

It’s alleged the racehorses were training on a treadmill with their vision was restricted by blinkers, when the electric device was used to torture, abuse and terrify them.

The prosecution argued that the alleged illicit training regime was the result of an agreement between the three men to break the rules of racing and deceive racing stewards, as well as anyone with an interest in the 2018 Spring Carnival racing results.

Yogi placed seventh in the Lexus Stakes in early November 2018, before winning the Sandown Cup later the same month, while Red Cardinal ran second last in the 2018 Melbourne Cup.

During the four-day committal hearing, defence lawyers made submissions that several of the charges against Weir and his co-accused were “misconceived” and “duplicitous”.

But Magistrate Ron Saines ruled that there was sufficient evidence for Weir and his employees to face a jury trial.

Weir has also pleaded not guilty to unlicensed gun charges, while McLean has pleaded not guilty to corrupt betting charges.

They will return to court for a directions hearing on November 19.

Read more

Former champion trainer Darren Weir charged with animal cruelty and conspiracy

Weir Melbourne Cup hope given electric shocks in lead-up to race, court alleges

Betting activity of banned trainer Darren Weir comes under scrutiny

For complete coverage of racing and bloodstock in Australia and New Zealand, download ANZ Bloodstock News every dayhttp://www.anzbloodstocknews.com/issue