Trainer Darren Weir denies allegation of attempting to corrupt 2018 Melbourne Cup

Melbourne Cup-winning horse trainer Darren Weir is disputing the allegation that he attempted to corrupt the famous Flemington race in 2018.

During a Victorian Racing Tribunal, Weir pleaded guilty to using an electronic jigger on three racehorses, and also admitted guilt to other various charges relating animal welfare.

But he pleaded not guilty to trying to corrupt upcoming races — including the Melbourne Cup and the 2018 Lexus Stakes (Hotham Handicap) — and allegations of misleading behaviour.

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Weir, his Warrnambool-based trainer Jarrod McLean and stablehand Tyson Kermond were caught on a covertly-installed surveillance devices using an electronic prod, poly pipe and blinkers on three Melbourne Cup hopefuls during the 2018 Spring Carnival.

That shocking video was again played at the Victorian Racing Tribunal on Monday.

McLean and Kermond are also facing charges.

KC Ian Hill — who represented Weir in the the Warrnambool Magistrates Court in 2022 — is again representing Weir at the tribunal.

And the tribunal was told the use of jiggers on horses for performance enhancing was a myth.

Former Racing Victoria chair of stewards Robert Cram also gave evidence on Monday.

He reportedly told the tribunal that there was no “tangible evidence” that a jigger on a horse would “make it race any better”.

Hill is also disputing some of the facts around the allegations.

The same footage was played in the Warrnambool Magistrates Court in 2022.

Weir has already been banned for possession of the jiggers and was fined $36,000.

In 2022, Hill said that Weir, who trained Michelle Payne-ridden outside chance Prince of Penzance to a win in the 2015 Melbourne Cup, hoped to return to training after a four-year ban imposed by Racing Victoria in February 2019 expired.

His disqualification ended in February 2023 but is thought he no longer holds a Racing Victoria licence.

Weir started his career as a strapper and worked his way up to employing nearly 200 people to work with more than 500 horses.

In 2022 Hill said Weir was a natural talent who had an affinity and love of horses.

“That’s all he knows, the training of horses,” he said.

The tribunal is ongoing.

– With AAP