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Racing NSW has on Thursday, 31 January 2019, issued a Show Cause Notice to Victorian licensed trainer Mr Darren Weir as to why the provisions of AR50 should not be invoked against Mr Weir in respect of declining to receive or rejecting the nominations of horses trained by him for races in New South Wales.

The Show Cause Notice was issued in light of the seriousness of the reported allegations concerning Mr Weir and the responsibility of Racing NSW to protect the image, interests and integrity of racing, further noting that Mr Weir has nominated a number of horses for the Golden Slipper and nominations for The Championships are approaching.

In this respect, the use and possession of electronic apparatus such as tasers/jiggers is an offence under AR175(hh)(i) and (ii) with a mandatory minimum penalty of 2 years disqualification for any use or attempt to use.

The seriousness of these offences is illustrated by the disqualification of a NSW licensed trainer for 2 years for having a similar electronic apparatus simply in his possession.
The actions of Racing NSW Stewards in issuing the Show Cause Notice to Mr Weir is not unprecedented.

Similar action was previously taken in respect of interstate licensed trainers Mr Liam Birchley and Mr Ben Currie in order to protect the image, interests and integrity of thoroughbred racing in New South Wales, both of whom are currently not permitted to nominate or race thoroughbred horses in New South Wales.

Racing NSW Chief Executive Mr Peter V’landys AM said:

“Racing NSW is on record time and again as saying integrity and welfare in this industry is paramount. Accordingly, no individual’s interest should outweigh the confidence of the public in the integrity and welfare of the industry.

“Mr Weir will be given the opportunity to respond to the Show Cause Notice to ensure that he is provided with natural justice and procedural fairness.”