Racing Victoria stewards are pushing for an additional ban of at least 10 years for Darren Weir, the Melbourne Cup-winning trainer, over the use of a jigger on three racehorses.
Representing RV stewards, Albert Dinelli KC emphasised the need for a stern penalty.
“Mr. Weir did not merely possess the devices, but he was ultimately caught on surveillance footage using, I’ll use the word again, such an abhorrent apparatus on three thoroughbred racehorses,” Dinelli said.
Dinelli stressed the importance of maintaining the integrity of the sport and upholding racing’s social license. He argued that Weir’s actions jeopardised the perception of fair competition and animal welfare standards in the industry.
Ian Hill KC, representing Weir, countered the severity of the proposed penalty, highlighting his client’s contrition and rehabilitation.
“There should be no period of disqualification and certainly no interference with his pre-training or his ambition,” Hill said.
Meanwhile, Damian Sheales, for Weir’s co-accused, questioned the fairness of a lengthy disqualification, referencing past precedents.
“How can the offending of (Weir, McLean, Kermond) be viewed as more culpable than Preusker?” Sheales asked.
Last month, three corruption charges against Weir were dismissed, with the former leading trainer pleading guilty to animal cruelty charges.
The VRT panel will deliberate on penalties for Weir, McLean, and Kermond in the coming weeks, but the outcome remains uncertain.
