Australian Trainer Darren Weir is facing a four-year ban from racing, after he chose not to appeal the charges brought against him upon using illegal electrical devices on his horses.
Police raided his stables last month, with potential claims of animal cruelty and racing fraud going on behind closed doors. Officials found an unregistered firearm, cocaine and four devices known as 'jiggers' - a device that produces an electronic shock to booster horses performance on the track.
Weir, 48, is best known for his success with Prince Of Penzance in the 2015 Melbourne Cup, fending off the late challenge of the-then inexperienced Max Dynamite, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Frankie Dettori - with a certain youthful Big Orange back in fifth.
With over six hundred named horses in his care, he spent eleven hours at a preliminary hearing conducted by Racing Victoria on Monday, where he was joined by Jarrod McLean and stable hand Tyson Kermond.
Racing Victoria stated that the Australian Champion Trainer would not contest the three charges against him when he faces the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board (RAD), where stewards will deliver a four-year suspension.
The organisation also said Jarrod McLean will contest a charge of possessing a similar device and can continue to train until his hearing, whilst Tyson Kermond was charged with failing to assist the stewards on Wednesday.
(Credit: Racing Post) Jamie Stier - executive general manager of integrity at Racing Victoria said: “This is a complex matter and the stewards were determined to be thorough and give due consideration to the submissions made, their legal advice and the ongoing investigations.
“Darren Weir is facing serious charges of possessing three pieces of electrical apparatus and conduct prejudicial to the interests or image of racing. He has advised the stewards he will not contest those charges which have drawn considerable negative publicity to the sport.
“To that end, stewards have requested the RAD board expedite the hearing of Mr Weir’s charges at which point they will be seeking a four-year disqualification.
“Until such time as the RAD board convenes to hear and determine Mr Weir’s charges, the stewards have imposed strict conditions on his licence that ensure he is not permitted to enter or race any horses as a trainer or owner.
The raid on Weir's stable prompted many owners to moved their horses to different yards.
Victoria Derby winner Extra Brut has joined Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, whilst top sprinter Nature Strip and Sandown Guineas winner Ringerdingding have transferred to Chris Waller's stable.