Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Darren Weir is facing 10 new charges from Racing Victoria stewards, further jeopardizing his already contested return to the sport.
The new charges stem from a seven-month investigation and relate to allegations of corruption, dishonesty, misleading behavior, as well as the care and welfare of horses Red Cardinal, Tosen Basil, and Yogi.
The charges are a significant blow to Weir, who received a four-year ban in 2019 for possession of electric shock devices.
He had already won 36 Group 1 races and more than $150 million in prize money before his ban.
Weir has previously pleaded guilty to three counts of animal cruelty but avoided a conviction.
The new charges include evidence that appears to show Weir, along with former stable manager Jarrod McLean and ex-stablehand Tyson Kermond, using electronic devices on the horses.
Both McLean and Kermond are also facing 10 separate charges each under rule AR 227(b), outlining penalties for various misconducts related to horse racing.
The development puts a significant roadblock in Weir’s potential re-entry into the sport, as he would also have to pass a “character test” for re-licensing.
