- Trainer Darren Weir accused of trespassing
- He denies the serious accusation
- Disgraced trainer has won more than $130 million
Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Darren Weir has been sensationally accused of attempting to corrupt the nation’s famous race by using a jigger on the 2018 Red Cardinal.
Weir – who won the 2015 Cup with 100/1 outsider Prince of Penzance – pleaded guilty to using an electronic jigger on three racehorses at a Victorian Racing tribunal hearing on Monday.
He also pleaded guilty to other animal welfare charges.
Weir pleaded not guilty to attempting to corrupt a series of race results – most notably the Melbourne Cup at Flemington – in 2018.
It comes after surveillance footage reportedly showed Weir, his Warrnambool trainer Jarrod McLean and groom Tyson Kermond using an electronic prod on horses Red Cardinal, Yogi and Tosen Basil in October 2018.
Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Darren Weir has been accused of trying to corrupt the nation’s holding back race by using a jigger on the 2018 Red Cardinal.
Weir is pictured in happier times after winning the 2015 Melbourne Cup, as Michelle Payne (right) rides 100/1 outsider Prince of Penzance to victory
It is alleged that all three horses were examined with triggers while being trained on a treadmill while being beaten with plastic piping while wearing blinders.
Weir allegedly concealed the jigger in his pockets between uses on the horses’ rumps, ribs and backs. racingnet.
Stewards further alleged that Weir used the jigger and blinders together to make the Red Cardinal associate the headgear with an electric shock in a deliberate attempt to improve his race day performance at 3200 meters in Australia’s largest residential event.
Weir pleaded guilty on Monday to using an electronic jigger on three racehorses at a Victorian Racing Tribunal hearing, but not guilty of attempting to corrupt races, including the 2018 Melbourne Cup
Ridden by Damien Oliver, the Irish stayer finished penultimate in the 24-strong field – beaten by almost 70 lengths by eventual winner Cross Counter.
Weir is no stranger to tribunal hearings after being hit with a four-year ban by Racing Victoria in February 2019.
It is understood that despite the fact that his disqualification ended last year, Weir has not sought to renew his license in the state.
Weir started his career in the sport as a strapper before working his way up to employing almost 200 people and working with more than 500 horses.
He is said to have won more than $130 million in prize money and trained runners such as Black Heart Bart, Humidor and Nature Strip.
The hearing continues.