3 minute read

Former premiership winner Peter Moody has ruled out a return to training as the new head of the crumbling Darren Weir stable at Ballarat.

Moody’s name was put forward as a possible replacement for Weir, who is expected to be disqualified from racing for up to four years at a Victorian Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board hearing today.

The Ciaron Maher/David Eustace partnership and Flemington based Nigel Blackiston are other names in the mix to take charge of the horse remaining at Weir’s Forest Lodge and Warrnambool stables.

Mick Leonard, Weir’s operations manager and a licensed trainer, has confirmed that he will fill the role of caretaker trainer at the Ballarat stables until further notice.

Leonard operates nearby Millwater Agistment Farm, a property used by Weir to spell many of his horses.

Racing Victoria has approved the transfer of horses from Weir into Leonard’s name but it is still uncertain when they will be allowed to trial and race.

Stewards have recommended that Weir be disqualified for four years after he confirmed that he will not contest six charges relating to the discovery of jiggers at his stable and conduct prejudicial to the image racing.

Leonard said his appointment is only interim while negotiations continue with established trainers.

“The stables are able to be used whilst we negotiate for a new trainer to take over the Forest Lodge operation,” Leonard said in a statement issued to Weir’s clients.

“Discussions between Ballarat Turf Club and these trainers are well advanced and we hope for an announcement as soon as possible.

“The trainer most likely to take over is a person of high regard in the industry.

“Naturally your option to subsequently select a different trainer of your choice is not affected by the interim arrangements.

“Any horse in the early and middle stages of its preparation will continue to be trained at Forest Lodge.

“Our existing staff will care for these horses with the same skill, knowledge and commitment that they have always demonstrated. In the interim we are not allowed to trial or race horses.

“This is obviously a period of great duress for the stable and our staff in particular. We would very much appreciate our owners’ continued support whilst we arrange the transfer of our premises to the incoming trainer.

“This support will ensure our staff are employed on an ongoing basis, which is a major concern of myself, Darren and Racing Authorities.”

Meanwhile Victorian Police are continuing their own investigations into the Weir scandal with media reporting the existence of phone taps and video evidence of maltreatment of a horse at Weir’s stables.

The sporting integrity intelligence unit has been investigating Weir’s operations since last August when information was referred to police by Racing Victoria stewards.

The dual investigations came to a head last week when Victoria Police, accompanied by Australian Federal Police and racing integrity operatives, executed warrants at Weir’s stables at Ballarat and Warrnambool where they seized electronic apparatus known as jiggers, an unlicensed firearm and a substance believed to be cocaine.

The police investigation covers far reaching laws including “engaging in conduct that corrupts or would corrupt a betting outcome” and “use of corrupt conduct information for betting purposes.”

The Racing Victoria inquiry and Monday’s marathon 10-hour hearing between stewards and Weir has not encompassed betting issues.