In a Victorian Racing Tribunal hearing on Wednesday, barrister Albert Dinelli KC asserted that all 10 charges against Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Darren Weir have been substantiated.
The charges stem from the use of a jigger on three racehorses at Weir’s Warrnambool stables just before the 2018 Melbourne Cup.
Weir, along with former employees Jarrod McLean and Tyson Kermond, faces charges related to animal cruelty and corrupting the outcome of a race.
Dinelli argued that despite the absence of immediate impact on race outcomes, Weir’s actions violated racing standards, aiming to enhance the horses’ future performance.
Conversely, Weir’s counsel Ian Hill KC contended that the charges lack evidence of an intent to corrupt race outcomes, emphasising Weir’s goal to optimise his horses’ potential within fair competition.
Barrister Damian Sheales, representing McLean and Kermond, asserted that the corruption charges were unfounded due to a lack of specific race targets.
The tribunal, consisting of Judges John Bowman, Kathryn Kings, and Des Gleeson, is expected to deliver its verdict next week.
