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Darren Weir Appeals Two-Year Ban in Supreme Court, Citing "Unreasonable Delays"

Darren Weir has officially lodged an appeal with the Supreme Court, challenging the two-year ban imposed by the Victorian Racing Tribunal (VRT) earlier this year. The appeal argues that the disqualification period is "excessive and out of proportion," particularly given the significant delays in laying the charges and the fact that Weir has already served four years for a related offence. The charges stem from a covert video recorded in 2018 at Weir's Warrnambool stables, showing the use of a jigger – a small electric shock device – on three horses: Tosen Basil, Red Cardinal, and Yogi. Despite the charges, Weir’s appeal highlights the fact that he has taken full responsibility for his actions, served his initial four-year disqualification without contest, and dedicated himself to rehabilitation and reformation since then. Weir’s legal team, led by solicitor Katherine Brideoake, contends that the VRT’s decision failed to account for his rehabilitation efforts and the lengt...
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Heartbreak at Trevenson Park as Staff Struggle After Closure

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Geordie Julius, a 69-year-old horseman, is grappling with the devastating impact of Darren Weir’s Trevenson Park closure following the Victorian Racing Tribunal's recent decision. After over a year working at the pre-training and agistment facility, Julius and more than 40 others have been left without jobs and an uncertain future. The shutdown came as a shock. Julius recalls returning from a routine task at the barn, only to find other staff members in tears. “I asked what was wrong, and they said, ‘We got the full two years.’ That was it. We were all gutted.” The closure followed a protracted investigation, and the drawn-out tribunal process has left many reeling. Victorian Racing Tribunal Chair John Bowman criticised the handling of the case, stating there was “no acceptable explanation” for the delay between the end of Weir’s disqualification in February 2023 and the laying of charges in September. For workers like Julius, the prolonged uncertainty took a toll. “When Bowman was...
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VRT: Darren Weir, Jarrod McLean, Tyson Kermond, Racing Victoria Hearing, 2 September 2024

    RACING VICTORIA and DARREN WEIR  and JARROD McLEAN  and TYSON KERMOND Date of hearing:   5 July 2024 Date of decision:   2 September 2024 Panel :   His Honour John Bowman (Chairperson), Her Honour Kathryn Kings (Deputy Chairperson) and Mr Des Gleeson.  Appearances:   Mr Angus Willoughby of Counsel appeared on behalf of the Stewards. Mr Ian Hill KC with Mr Matthew Stirling of Counsel appeared on behalf of Mr Weir. Mr Damian Sheales of Counsel appeared on behalf of Mr McLean and Mr Kermond. Charges and particulars:   Reference is made to the list of charges set out in the Tribunal decisions of 24 April 2024 and 5 July 2024. Pleas:   Mr Darren Weir – Not Guilty to Charges 1, 2 and 3. Guilty to all other Charges. Mr Jarrod McLean and Mr Tyson Kermond – Not Guilty to Charges 1, 2, 3 and 10. Guilty to all other Charges     DECISION – CLARIFICATION OF PENALTIES Issues have arisen as to the commencement date of and calcul...
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VRT: Darren Weir, Jarrod McLean, Tyson Kermond, Racing Victoria Hearing, 5 July 2024

RACING VICTORIA and DARREN WEIR  and JARROD McLEAN  and TYSON KERMOND     Date of penalty hearing: 3 June 2024 Date of decision: 5 July 2024 Panel: His Honour John Bowman (Chairperson), Her Honour Kathryn Kings (Deputy Chairperson)and Mr Des Gleeson. Appearances:  Mr Albert Dinelli KC with Mr Angus Willoughby of Counsel appeared on behalf of the Stewards. Mr Ian Hill KC with Mr Matthew Stirling of Counsel and Ms Anna Dixon of Counsel appeared on behalf of Mr Weir. Mr Damian Sheales of Counsel with Mr Tony Hannebery appeared on behalf of Mr McLean and Mr Kermond. Mr Robert Cram appeared as a witness. Mr Rob Montgomery appeared as a witness. Dr Andrew McLean appeared as a witness.                                      ...
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