Updated February 01, 2019 16:42:20

Photo: Darren Weir trained Prince of Penzance, which won the 2015 Melbourne Cup. (ABC Central Victoria: Larissa Romensky)

Racing Victoria stewards have issued charges against Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Darren Weir and two other members of his training team.

Stewards issued the charges after police raided Weir's stables near Ballarat and Warrnambool on Wednesday as part of an investigation into allegations relating to the corruption of betting outcomes and animal cruelty.

Police said during the raids they found electric-shock devices known as "jiggers", which can be used to condition horses to run faster in response to a physical cue.

The raids were part of a joint investigation between police and Racing Victoria that has been running since August.

Stewards have issued six charges against Weir, including possession of an electric or electronic apparatus capable of affecting the performance of a horse, failure to give evidence at an inquiry, failure to comply with a direction of the stewards and conduct prejudicial to the image, interests or welfare of racing.

Jarrod McLean, a trainer and foreman of Weir's Warrnambool stable, has been issued with four charges, while licensed foreperson Tyson Kermond has been issued with two charges.

The three men were arrested and questioned by police on Wednesday before being released without charge later that afternoon.

Racing authorities in New South Wales yesterday demanded Weir show cause why horses trained by him should be allowed to race in that state.

More to come.

Topics: horse-racing, sport, melbourne-3000, ballarat-3350, warrnambool-3280, vic

First posted February 01, 2019 16:20:22