The hearing of Victorian trainer Jarrod McLean’s racing charges for possessing a banned electric-shock device has been adjourned until September.
McLean, who was disqualified trainer Darren Weir’s assistant, faced the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board in Melbourne on Monday.
But his barrister Patrick Wheelahan immediately said he wanted the case heard behind closed doors.
Asked if McLean was contesting his two charges, Wheelahan said he was not able to say on Monday for reasons that he wished to explain in a closed hearing.
The closed session ended just over half an hour later.
The case has been adjourned for a directions hearing on September 3.
McLean has been charged with possessing an electrical apparatus – known as a jigger in the racing industry – capable of affecting the performance of a horse, and conduct prejudicial to racing.
McLean has been allowed to continue to train pending the RAD Board hearing his charges, but Racing Victoria rejected his application to take over Weir’s Warrnambool stables.
The two trainers were arrested and then released without charge by police after officers and stewards raided Weir’s stables at Ballarat and Warrnambool in January.
A Melbourne Cup-winning trainer, Weir did not contest his racing charges and was banned for four years after three jiggers were found in the master bedroom of his home during the raid at his principal stables in Ballarat.
McLean was in charge of Weir’s Warrnambool base while also training a team of his own horses which includes Group One winner Trap For Fools at his stables at Yangery, on the outskirts of Warrnambool.
Racing Victoria stewards charged McLean with being in possession of an electric device at a Yangery property on, or about, January 30.
The prejudicial conduct charge relates to possessing the device and failing to give an explanation to stewards.
