Stewards Seek Four-Year Ban for Weir

[Wandering Eyes]

The hearing into the show cause notices issued against licensed trainers Darren Weir and Jarrod McLean on Feb. 1, 2019, was concluded by the Racing Victoria stewards on Monday morning, Feb. 4, Racing.com reported. The charges brought against the duo will be heard on a yet to be determined date by the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board, but stewards have indicated they will seek a four-year ban for Weir.

Submissions were made on behalf of both trainers by their legal representative, with Weir not contesting the three charges issued against him under AR 175(hh)(ii) for possession of an electric or electronic apparatus capable of affecting the performance of a horse; and the charge issued against him under AR175A for conduct prejudicial to the image, interests or welfare of racing. McLean will be contesting his single AR 175(hh)(ii) charge and a charge under AR175A.

After deliberating, the stewards will now request that the RAD Board hear and determine the charges laid against Weir at the earliest opportunity, but due to the severity of the charges, stewards will be seeking a four-year disqualification, of which Weir was appraised prior to deciding not to contest the charges. Weir will not be able to nominate horses for any races or official trials and any acceptances from Weir’s yard will be withdrawn by order of the stewards. Weir will not be able to accept with any of his nominated horses and any horse currently nominated for a race, but not accepted, must be transferred to another trainer with the approval of the stewards if the owners still wish to compete in that race. Finally that Weir must also divest himself of any registered ownership interest in a registered horse, prior to that horse being permitted to accept for any race.

Regarding McLean, significant conditions were also imposed until the RAD Board has heard and determined the charges. McLean will not be able to receive any horses to train that were in the care of Weir as of Jan. 30, 2019, but subject to the condition stated above, McLean will be permitted to continue nominating and accepting horses for races and official trials.

Racing Victoria Executive General Manager-Integrity Jamie Stier said in a statement, “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 electrical apparatus and conduct prejudicial to the interests or image of racing. He has advised the stewards that he will not contest those charges which have drawn considerable negative publicity to the sport.

“To that end, stewards have requested that 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.

“On the basis that Mr. McLean advised the stewards that he will contest the charges against him, significant conditions have also been imposed on his operation until such time as the charges have been heard and determined by the RAD Board. In reaching these positions on the show cause notices, the stewards note that investigations remain ongoing and that they reserve the right to act upon any new evidence that comes to hand during the course of those investigations.”

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