Premier trainer Darren Weir fined $5000

Premier Victorian trainer Darren Weir has been fined $5000 over the incorrect identification of seven horses which contested jump-outs at Ballarat.

Racing Victoria stewards on Wednesday charged Weir under an Australian racing rule dealing with any person who makes a false or misleading statement or declaration in respect of any matter in connection with the administration or control of racing.

The particulars of the charge were that on August 3, Weir, via email from stable staff to the Ballarat Turf Club, falsely and misleadingly declared the names of seven horses as having jumped out at Ballarat on August 1.

Because of this the jump-out information provided to the public was incorrect with seven Weir-trained horses different from those listed.

Weir pleaded guilty to the charge.

“In assessing the matter stewards took into account Mr Weir’s guilty plea, evidence during the inquiry, that an initial email to the Ballarat Turf Club gave weight to the evidence that the offence was not premeditated, the circumstances surrounding the incident and the fact that the incident has the ability to erode the confidence of the industry,” an RV stewards report said.