Australian trainer Darren Weir, banned for four years after electric shock devices (“jiggers”) were found in his stable, has now come under investigation for his wagering activities. According to the Herald Sun, Victoria police and racing authorities found that accounts held by Weir or his associates wagered as much as A$9,000 ($US6,137) on some races.
In several cases, Weir allegedly placed wagers on longer-priced runners over a favored runner from his own stable, including in the 2018 Australian Guineas. Weir trained $4.20 favorite The Cliff’s Edge, who finished seventh, but an account allegedly held by one of his close friends wagered $A9,200 on the runner up Peaceful State at $8.50.
While not illegal for Australian trainers to bet, wagers on more than 80 races are under scrutiny because investigators believe they could be related to Weir’s use of electric shock devices. The Victoria Police allege that Weir’s wagers were larger when horses were wearing blinkers, which they suspect is “directly linked to the use of jiggers on horses wearing the headgear while exercising on treadmills.”
Read more at the Herald Sun (behind paywall).
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