Trainer Darren Weir, previously embroiled in controversy surrounding allegations of attempting to manipulate race outcomes through the use of a jigger on three racehorses, has been acquitted of these charges.
Alongside his co-accused, Jarrod McLean and Tyson Kermond, Weir faced accusations of dishonest and corrupt conduct but was cleared by Judge John Bowman.
While the trio admitted guilt to past animal cruelty and welfare charges, they contested the allegations of race-fixing.
Judge Bowman dismissed the charges of dishonest and corrupt conduct, stating that the evidence did not conclusively prove that the use of the jigger on Red Cardinal, Tosen Basil, and Yogi could sway the outcomes of subsequent races in which these horses participated.
The legal proceedings will resume next week with a directions hearing to establish the schedule for penalty submissions.
Weir, who has already served a four-year suspension due to possession of the jigger device, currently engages in pre-training activities for leading Australian stables at his Trevenson Park establishment.
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