Australian trainer Darren Weir has been charged after police found devices in his stables used to deliver electric shocks to horses in an attempt to make them run faster, the BBC report.
Police found four of the illegal Taser-type devices, a firearm and a substance believed to be cocaine at Weir’s stables on Wednesday.
One of the devices that were found are commonly known as “jiggers” and can make horses run faster when jockeys use their whips.
Weir’s assistant trainer Jarrod McLean and stable employee Tyson Kermond were also charged by Racing Victoria.
Racing Victoria’s executive general manager, Jamie Stier, issued an interim ban for Weir having any runners until Monday pending a full investigation.
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.
In issuing this interim order, it should be noted that investigations are ongoing.
The 48-year-old has won more than 30 races at Grade One level as a trainer, with his most memorable win coming in the 2015 Melbourne Cup when jockey Michelle Payne won aboard Prince Of Penzance.
As a result of the interim ban, Weir’s nine runners at Friday’s The Valley meeting were withdrawn, along with his 11 proposed runners at Saturday’s Caulfield meeting.
