Victorian trainer loses Supreme Court bid

Trainer Jarrod McLean has lost his Supreme Court case against Racing Victoria.

Victoria Police acted lawfully when it gave racing authorities evidence from a raid on Victorian trainer Jarrod McLean’s stables, a judge has ruled.

McLean had argued Victoria Police did not having the right to give Racing Victoria information about items seized during the January 30 raid at Yangery, near Warrnambool.

But Supreme Court Justice Melinda Richards on Friday determined police acted lawfully and RV could use the documents.

But she also extended a previous order to keep documents seized during the raid confidential to everyone but lawyers for another week.

RV had wanted to charge McLean, 38, with possessing a prohibited substance and refusing or failing to give evidence to stewards, after opening a fresh inquiry following information received by police in August.

Justice Richards on Friday said RV should be allowed to use the information provided, after McLean sought to stop the industry body charging him based on it, or relying on the evidence in any disciplinary proceedings.

It comes after he was charged by the racing body in February with the possession of an electrical apparatus, known as a jigger, capable of affecting the performance of a horse, and with conduct prejudicial to racing.

Earlier this month, McLean was hit with 16 charges by Victoria Police relating to the alleged possession of cocaine and corruption affecting betting outcomes.

The criminal charges related to January raids on Melbourne Cup winning trainer Darren Weir’s Ballarat and Warrnambool properties.

Weir did not contest the racing charges against him and was banned from the sport for four years following the discovery of three jiggers in his bedroom.

McLean had been in charge of Weir’s Warrnambool stables.

The former has been stood down from racing until the criminal charges against him are finalised in court.