Darren Weir: Australian trainer in welfare scandal charged by stewards

Australian Weir has won more than 30 races at the elite Grade One level

Trainer Darren Weir has been charged and faces suspension for possessing devices used to deliver electric shocks to make horses run faster.

On Wednesday, police seized a firearm, a substance believed to be cocaine, and four of the illegal Taser-type devices at the Melbourne Cup-winner's stables.

Now Weir, assistant trainer Jarrod McLean and stable employee Tyson Kermond must answer charges brought by Racing Victoria.

The trio has declined to comment.

Weir faces six charges, including three of possessing an electronic device designed to shock horses into running faster.

The 48-year-old, who claimed a landmark win in the 2015 Melbourne Cup when jockey Michelle Payne won aboard Prince Of Penzance, is also charged with failing to help the inquiry and conduct prejudicial to the interests of horse racing.

McLean faces four charges including possessing one of the devices, which are known as "jiggers" and can cause horses to run faster in conjunction with a jockey using their whip.

Kermond has been charged with failing to help the inquiry and refusing to answer questions from the stewards.

The inquiry was opened after the execution of search warrants by Victoria Police on Wednesday at properties in Ballarat and Warrnambool that saw the three arrested before later being released without charge.

Weir and McLean have also been issued with "show cause notices" in relation to possible suspensions of their licences and refusal to accept nominations for races.

Weir's nine runners and the McLean-trained Sacred Theme were late withdrawals from Friday night's meeting at The Valley, along with Weir's 11 runners at Saturday's Caulfield meeting.

Pending a full examination of whether Weir and McLean can continue training, stewards have issued an interim order barring them from having any runners until midnight on Monday.

Jamie Stier, Racing Victoria's executive general manager - integrity, said: "The stewards are concerned about the seriousness of the threat posed by Mr Weir's and Mr McLean's alleged possession of an electronic apparatus. This is a significant issue in terms of animal welfare and racing integrity.

"The investigation has caused considerable public concern, and has generated considerable negative publicity, bringing into question the impact on the image, interests and integrity of racing of Mr Weir and Mr McLean's continued participation in racing pending the hearing of the charges.

"In issuing this interim order, it should be noted that investigations are ongoing."