The Racing Appeals and Disciplinary (RAD) Board today disqualified trainer Darren Weir for a period of four years for four breaches of the Australian Rules of Racing (AR).
Mr Weir was found guilty by the RAD Board of three charges of possessing an electric or electronic apparatus capable of affecting the performance of a horse, and one charge of conduct prejudicial to the image, interests or welfare of racing.
The disabilities that apply to a disqualified person are set out in AR 182 and apply to Mr Weir with immediate effect. In addition, the Stewards have imposed the following special conditions:
- that Mr Weir has 10 business days from today to enter any training premises that were his licensed premises for purposes other than training, and to transfer horses under his care, subject to the approval of the stewards;
- that the transfer of any horse trained by Mr Weir to licensed trainer Michael Leonard, who will be based at Forest Lodge Stables, be permitted on an interim basis for a period of up to 28 days or until such time as a suitable alternate arrangement is put in place with the approval of the stewards; and
- that Mr Leonard is not permitted to nominate any horse transferred to him from Mr Weir for any race or official trial during the interim period of up to 28 days.
“Mr Weir will not be permitted to participate in the racing industry in any way over the four-year period, including, but not limited to his participation in the training of horses, attending race meetings and licensed premises and deriving any benefit from the industry," said RV Executive General Manager - Integrity, Jamie Stier.
“In the interests of Mr Weir’s owners and staff and the welfare of horses, the stewards have granted permission for licensed trainer Michael Leonard to assume care of Mr Weir’s horses for a period of up to 28 days whilst discussions continue for a permanent solution.
“During this 28-day period, Mr Leonard will be permitted to oversee the training of horses at Forest Lodge Stables, however he will not be permitted to nominate horses transferred to him from Mr Weir for any race or official trial.
“Given the size of Mr Weir’s stables, the stewards have also granted an extended period of 10 business days for Mr Weir to coordinate the transfer of horses from his care.”