Trainer Darren Weir in 2015 after winning the Melbourne Cup with Prince of Penzance. Photo: Photosport/ Courtney Crow
Melbourne Cup-winning horse trainer Darren Weir's penalty for using an electrical device on horses will not be backdated, meaning he will be disqualified from racing until 2026.
In July the Victorian Racing Tribunal issued a two-year ban on the renowned trainer after a five-month hearing.
Weir admitted to using a banned electrical device known as a jigger on three horses at his Warrnambool stables in 2018, a week before the Melbourne Cup.
Since the tribunal determined that Weir should be banned, there was some debate as to whether the penalty should be backdated to 2019.
During the hearing there was a debate on the issue between the Victorian Racing Tribunal, counsel for Racing Victoria stewards and legal representation on behalf of Weir.
The tribunal decided Weir would serve his two-year ban from 9 September.
Tribunal member Ian Hill noted the lengthy time deliberations took.
Weir's use of jiggers on the three horses has been described as "abhorrent".
He previously received a four-year ban from racing after being found in possession of the banned electrical device.
That ban expired in February last year.
Weir trained Melbourne Cup winner Prince of Penzance in 2015.
He was cleared of allegations that the use of the jigger corrupted the outcome of the 2018 Melbourne Cup, won by Cross Counter.
Under the ban, Weir can no longer train horses in an official capacity.
-ABC
