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It’s business as usual for the Darren Weir stable with a host of acceptors declared for race meetings to be held over the next four days despite the drama that surrounded the leading trainer on Wednesday morning.
Weir, his Warrnambool stable manager and fellow trainer Jarryd McLean and another staff member were taken into custody for questioning by police after warrants were executed at his stables at Ballarat and Warrnambool.
All three were later released without any charges being laid by police.
A Victoria Police spokesperson has since confirmed four jiggers, an unregistered gun and cocaine were seized in the raids.
Twitter Link - View Seven News coverage of Victoria Police Media Conference providing details of today's police action
Unless charges are laid against Weir there is no restriction on his horses being able to compete at coming race meetings.
He has five horses down to start at Mornington today and none were scratched despite the police action. They include two pre-post favourites Indian Rani and Invincible Amici.
The Weir stable has also declared a total of 20 horses as acceptors for Melbourne’s major meetings of the week at Moonee Valley on Friday night and Caulfield on Saturday.
Racing Victoria has not intervened in Weir’s stable operations at this stage.
Weir issued the following statement to his owners late on Wednesday:-
As you are most likely aware, Darren Weir Racing is the subject of an external review. At this time the investigation is ongoing.
Our main aim is to ensure our owners are not disadvantaged by this process in anyway, and accordingly it is business as usual in regards to the training and care of your horses.
We will make a more detailed announcement as soon as possible and are hopeful this will occur sometime tomorrow.
Thank you for your ongoing support, consideration and loyalty to Darren Weir Racing.
Weir has accepted with nine horses for Friday night's meeting at Moonee Valley and has 11 in the fields for Saturday's Caulfield program.
His Caulfield runners include Victoria Derby winner Extra Brut, Sandown Guineas winner Ringerdingding and brilliant speedster Nature Strip. It is a vital day as the trio are kicking off their autumn campaigns.
The raids on Weir’s stables were conducted by detectives from the Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit.
Weir, a 38-year-old Yangery man and a 26-year-old Warrnambool man were detained for questions over what police described as “integrity issues.”A firearm and taser were confiscated at Weir’s Ballarat stables.