It’s the vision that cost Darren Weir his career, and you can see why.
Stomach churning, disgusting and cruel behaviour from a master trainer who should know better.
Betsy won’t be publishing the video of him using an electric shocker on his horses – but that’s not in any way a criticism of those who have.
It’s an important story in the public interest.
Weir used the jigger 25 times on the horses. Tosen Basil received nine jigger jabs, Red Cardinal seven before Yogi copped nine electric shocks.
As we said, it’s gross, upsetting and a blight on racing. It’s a hard watch.
You can see why Weir told his lawyers to fight a media application for its release into the public domain.
The vision, secretly recorded by hidden police cameras, is also why Weir is likely finished as a trainer – in Victoria anyway.
Weir will finish serving his latest court ordered punishment in 2026 and be free to apply for the reinstatement of his trainer’s licence.
The latest ban led to his pre-training business ceasing, where he was working for a number of stables. He is still considered a master horseman, but the odds of Racing Victoria giving his licence back in 2026 are even longer than his last Melbourne Cup winner Prince of Penzance, who claimed the race at 100/1.
RV strengthened its character test provisions in 2022 for any trainer applying to train in the state. Many of Weir’s supporters believe RV made the changes just to ensure the 36-time Group 1 winner never returns.
Betsy has been told the return of Weir has been discussed at RV and some on the board previously have been of the belief Weir should never train again.
Legally it’s a complicated issue – Weir has served his time and was a popular and talented trainer. He’d have a stable full immediately if he ever returned.
But the reality is simple – RV are likely to never willingly let Weir return. RV have been privately congratulated on their leadership in tackling the Weir situation and fighting any comeback.
Their position will have the support of government, race clubs and major sponsors of racing.
Despite Weir still having strong support from many within the sport, many more would find the footage too much even in an industry as forgiving as racing can be.
Could you image the publicity if Weir was to win another Melbourne Cup?
Alongside any images of the great race from the day would be followed by the putrid images of him hurting the heroes of the sport – the equine athletes.
It’s destined to end up in court, but the reality is that if his lawyers can’t find a way through, Weir is likely finished.
