Racing Victoria issued a statement a short time ago saying none of their horses would be allowed to run until a further hearing was held next Monday.

The statement Weir and McLean had been asked to show cause why stewards should not suspend their training licences and their horses be withdrawn or not allowed to enter races pending the hearing of the charges laid earlier today.

A legal representative made submissions on behalf of the pair during a teleconference. The hearing was adjourned until Monday.

But stewards have ordered Weir’s nine runners tonight at Moonee Valley be withdrawn. He had 11 slated for starts tomorrow at Caulfield.

Racing Victoria’s executive general manager of integrity Jamie Stier said stewards made the decision under an interim order pending the outcome of Monday’s hearing.

“The stewards are concerned about the seriousness of the threat posed by Mr Weir’s and Mr McLean’s alleged possession of an electronic apparatus,” Stier said.

“This is a significant issue in terms of animal welfare and racing integrity.

“The investigation has caused considerable public concern, and has generated considerable negative publicity, bringing into question the impact on the image, interests and integrity of racing of Mr Weir and Mr McLean’s continued participation in racing pending the hearing of the charges. 

“The stewards also have significant concerns regarding the negative adverse publicity relating to police involvement in relation to Mr Weir and Mr McLean’s training activities is having on public confidence in racing.

“We understand the timing of this order has impacts for owners, punters and race clubs whom we sympathise with, however in the opinion of the stewards the integrity and reputation of the sport is paramount.

“In issuing this interim order, it should be noted that investigations are ongoing.”

Earlier: Australia’s leading trainer Darren Weir, his assistant trainer Warrnambool’s Jarrod McLean and stable employee Tyson Kermond have been charged by Racing Victoria (RV) stewards after this week’s raids.

Weir has been charged with six offences under the rules of racing and stewards have asked him to show cause as to why he should not be suspended.

The charges come after RV and Victoria and federal police officers raided McLean’s stables at Yangery and Weir’s Warrnambool stables, which McLean oversees as foreman. Kermond is employed by the Weir stable.

Police arrested and questioned Weir, McLean and Kermond on Wednesday but they were released without charge.

Stewards then interviewed the trio at RV's Flemington headquarters on Thursday in a marathon hearing that ended after 9pm.

McLean is facing four charges and Kermond two.

The Age is reporting that racing officials spent Friday considering their legal options in relation to Weir.

There are nine Weir-trained horses due to run on Friday night at Moonee Valley while the stable has 11 entrants at Saturday's Caulfield meeting.

Police seized "jiggers" from the 48-year-old Melbourne Cup winning trainer's stables with allegations of animal cruelty and corrupt betting practices being investigated.

RV said Weir and McLean had until 4pm Friday to make submissions in relation to their show cause requests.

RV said it would issue another statement later on Friday.

All charges will be heard by the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary (RAD) Board at a date to be fixed.   

MORE TO COME