Stewards have told the Victorian Racing Tribunal penalty hearing that the use of jiggers was “abhorrent” and wanted a huge penalty handed down to disgraced trainer Darren Weir.
Weir, who was rubbed out for four years for possessing jiggers, had the case re-opened against him in December 2022, after police presented closed circuit video footage during criminal proceedings against Weir.
Weir staff members Jarrod McLean and Tyson McLean are also caught up in the scandal and stewards say they should also face lengthy bans.
“It must be treated sternly … racing’s social license must be protected,” stewards’ legal representative, Albert Dinelli KC, said.
“It was cruel and an unfair advantage … they were caught red-handed.”
The video footage, according to reports, shows the use of jiggers on three horses — Red Cardinal, Yogi and Tosen Basil. The Red Cardinal footage was recorded just one week before its run in the 2018 Melbourne Cup.
It has prompted stewards to seek a 10 year ban for Weir, and seven each for his two staff members.
Weir was one of the dominant trainers in horse racing until his suspension, with 36 group 1 wins, including the 2015 Melbourne Cup win with Prince of Penzance, which was ridden by Michelle Payne.