Following the issuing of charges under the Australian Rules of Racing this afternoon by Racing Victoria (RV) stewards against licensed trainers Darren Weir and Jarrod McLean, the trainers were issued Show Cause Notices requesting them to show cause why the stewards ought not exercise their powers:
(a) pursuant to AR 8(z)(a), to suspend their licence to train;
(b) pursuant to AR 8(z)(b), to prevent any horse owned (or part-owned) or leased by them from participating in any race or official trial;
(c) pursuant to AR 8(z)(d), to decline to receive any nomination or entry for a horse trained by them; and
(d) pursuant to AR 8(z)(d), in respect of the nominations or entries which have been received, to reject those nominations or entries,
pending the hearing and determination of the charges issued against them on a date to be fixed by the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board.
The hearing was conducted via teleconference where Mr Weir and Mr McLean were represented by their legal representative who made submissions on their behalf.
The stewards have subsequently deliberated and determined to:
- adjourn the show cause hearing to 2pm (AEST) on Monday 4 February 2019;
- make an interim order under AR 8(z)(d) that all horses trained by Mr Weir and Mr McLean that have accepted for races up until midnight Monday 4 February 2019 be withdrawn by order of the stewards; and
- apply the interim order until the earlier of (a) midnight on Monday 4 February 2019, at which stage the show cause process is expected to progress; or (b) further order of the stewards.
As a consequence of those orders, the stewards withdrew at 4.50pm (AEST) today all horses trained by Mr Weir and Mr McLean that have accepted for races up until midnight on Monday 4 February 2019.
Quotes attributable to RV Executive General Manager – Integrity, Jamie Stier
“The stewards have imposed an interim order that all horses accepted to race from the Darren Weir and Jarrod McLean stables from tonight at Moonee Valley through until Monday be withdrawn with immediate effect pending the conduct of a show cause hearing,” Mr Stier said.
“The stewards are concerned about the seriousness of the threat posed by Mr Weir’s and Mr McLean’s alleged possession of an electronic apparatus. This is a significant issue in terms of animal welfare and racing integrity.
“The investigation has caused considerable public concern, and has generated considerable negative publicity, bringing into question the impact on the image, interests and integrity of racing of Mr Weir and Mr McLean’s continued participation in racing pending the hearing of the charges.
“The stewards also have significant concerns regarding the negative adverse publicity relating to police involvement in relation to Mr Weir and Mr McLean’s training activities is having on public confidence in racing.
“We understand the timing of this order has impacts for owners, punters and race clubs, whom we sympathise with, however in the opinion of the stewards the integrity and reputation of the sport is paramount.
“In issuing this interim order, it should be noted that investigations are ongoing."