Darren Weir: Australian trainer given four-year ban in electric shocks inquiry

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

Australian trainer Darren Weir has been banned for four years for possessing equipment used to deliver electric shocks to horses.

Police seized four of the illegal Taser-type devices at the Melbourne Cup winner's stables on 30 January.

At a hearing with Racing Victoria, the 48-year-old said he would not contest four charges brought against him by the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary board.

Assistant trainer Jarrod McLean will contest some of the charges he faces.

Charges against a third man, Tyson Kermond, of failing to assist the stewards will not be pursued.

Weir was found guilty by the board of three charges of possessing an electric or electronic apparatus capable of affecting the performance of a horse, and one charge of conduct prejudicial to the image, interests or welfare of racing.

Weir is one of Australia's top trainers and claimed a landmark victory in the 2015 Melbourne Cup when jockey Michelle Payne won aboard Prince Of Penzance,

Last week police seized a firearm, a substance believed to be cocaine and the electronic devices at Weir's stables.

The devices are known as 'jiggers' and can cause horses to run faster in conjunction with a jockey using their whip.

"Mr Weir will not be permitted to participate in the racing industry in any way over the four-year period, including, but not limited to his participation in the training of horses, attending race meetings and licensed premises and deriving any benefit from the industry," said Racing Victoria integrity manager Jamie Stier.