Melbourne Cup-winning trainer fined after using electric shock device on horses

Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Darren Weir has been found guilty of animal cruelty charges after using an electric shock device on three horses in 2018.

Weir, who won the 2015 Melbourne Cup with Prince Of Penzance, was fined $36,000 at Warrnambool Magistrates Court on Wednesday after video footage showed the trainer using a jigger on his horses while on a treadmill.

Red Cardinal was one of the horses featured in the CCTV evidence, which also saw assistant trainer Jarrod McLean hitting the runners with a piece of black poly piping. The then six-year-old went on to finish last at the Melbourne Cup a week later.

Weir's charges were reworded from torture at the start of the hearing as part of a plea deal which saw him escape conviction on more serious criminal charges of conspiracy, which were withdrawn in October.

McLean was also fined $36,000, while stablehand Tyson Kermond was required to donate $10,000 to the RSPCA and placed on a two-year good behaviour bond.

Red Cardinal heads out to the track for the Melbourne Cup a week after the video evidence was capturedCredit: Quinn Rooney (Getty Images)

Racing Victoria issued Weir with a four-year ban in 2019 after four jiggers were found at his home in Ballarat during a police raid, a suspension which was due to end in February.

However, the ban was issued due to possession of the items and not for use, with the new video evidence shown in court likely to lead to a further investigation by Racing Victoria stewards.

A Racing Victoria statement reads: "Racing Victoria (RV) notes the penalty decision handed down today at the Warrnambool Magistrates Court in relation to criminal charges issued by Victoria Police against Mr Weir, Mr McLean and Mr [Tyson] Kermond.

"RV Stewards are aware of further evidence presented during today's mention which they will now consider.

"With these developments currently under consideration, no further comments on the matter will be made at this time."

Weir's Ballarat yard has since been taken over by joint-trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, who landed the Melbourne Cup this year with Gold Trip.

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