RV Chairman says four-year ban for Weir is “appropriate”

1 year ago

Racing Victoria Chairman Brian Kruger says a potential four-year ban for embattled trainer Darren Weir would be an appropriate punishment.

Racing Victoria stewards have requested the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary (RAD) Board “determine the charges laid against Mr Weir at the earliest opportunity”, with the stewards seeking a “disqualification for a period of four years”.

The hearing will take place tomorrow.

Last week, Weir’s stables were raided by police, which has led to the serious charges of the trainer "possessing three electrical apparatus and conduct prejudicial to the interests or image of racing".

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“I think it’s appropriate,” Kruger said of the four-year ban on SEN’s Whateley.

“I know there will be some people within and outside the industry that think the penalty is too lenient, and there will probably be other people that think it’s too harsh.

“My personal view is that I think it’s about right, but importantly, that’s the view of the stewards and obviously we would like to see the RAD Board endorse and ratify that position tomorrow, but that will be a matter for them."

Kruger also explained how the four-year sanction came about: “The stewards would have looked at precedents for the charges which were laid and the penalties that had been applied previously.

“They’ve determined that the four-year penalty is what they will be pushing for at that RAD Board hearing tomorrow.”

Listen to Brian Kruger’s chat with Gerard Whateley on SEN’s Whateley in the player below