Disgraced Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Darren Weir has failed in his appeal to overturn a two-year disqualification imposed for animal cruelty.
Supreme Court Justice Finanzio upheld the Victorian Racing Tribunal’s (VRT) 2023 decision to disqualify Weir following historic charges involving the use of electric shock devices, known as jiggers.
Weir is now banned from participating in horse racing in any form until July 2026.
The ban began in July 2024, as the VRT recognised Weir’s involvement in a pre-training business before the matter was finalised.
Under racing rules, disqualified individuals are barred from profiting from the industry during their ban.
Weir previously served a four-year disqualification from 2019 to 2023 for possessing jiggers.
Racing Victoria reopened its inquiry after police presented footage of Weir using the devices on horses in 2018, leading to new charges.
Justice Finanzio found no legal error in the VRT’s decision.
