Fair Go For Weir

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...

    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...