- Trainer Darren Weir accused of offence
- He denies the serious allegation
- Disgraced trainer has won over $130million
Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Darren Weir has sensationally been accused of attempting to corrupt the famous race that stops a nation by using a jigger on 2018 starter 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 during a Victorian Racing tribunal hearing on Monday.
He also admitted guilt to other charges in relation to animal welfare.
Weir pleaded not guilty to attempting to corrupt a series of race results — notably the Melbourne Cup at Flemington – in 2018.
It comes after surveillance footage allegedly showed Weir, his Warrnambool trainer Jarrod McLean and stablehand Tyson Kermond using an electronic prod on the horses Red Cardinal, Yogi and Tosen Basil in October 2018.
Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Darren Weir has been accused of attempting to corrupt the race that stops a nation by using a jigger on 2018 starter Red Cardinal
Weir is pictured in happier times after winning the 2015 Melbourne Cup with Michelle Payne (right) riding 100/1 outsider Prince of Penzance to victory
It is alleged all three horses were probed with triggers as they were exercised on a treadmill while being whipped with plastic piping as they wore blinkers.
Weir was said to have allegedly hidden the jigger in his pockets between use on the horses’ rumps, ribs and backs, according to racenet.
Stewards further alleged Weir used the jigger and blinkers in tandem to make Red Cardinal associate the headgear with an electric shock in a deliberate attempt to improve his raceday performance over 3200m in Australia’s greatest staying event.
Weir pleaded guilty to using an electronic jigger on three racehorses during a Victorian Racing tribunal hearing on Monday – but not guilty to attempting to corrupt races, including the 2018 Melbourne Cup
Ridden by Damien Oliver, the Irish stayer finished second-last 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 despite his disqualification ending last year, Weir hasn’t looked to renew his licence in the state.
Weir started his career in the sport as a strapper before working his way up to employing nearly 200 people to work with more than 500 horses.
He is said to have won more than $130million in career prizemoney and trained runners such as Black Heart Bart, Humidor and Nature Strip.
The hearing continues.