A passionate horsewoman, the 20-year-old said she was devastated at the reality she may lose her job as Weir is facing a four-year ban from racing.

She said a number of staff at Warrnambool, including her, had been told to keep working as normal.

“There are still horses to work, be fed and looked after,” she said.

“A few horses left over the weekend, but there's still horses here. It was sad to see so many staff members upset after seeing some of their favourites go. We are all trying to stick together and surround everyone with as much support as possible.”

Ms Smith, who has worked for Weir since Melbourne Cup day last year, said the workplace at Warrnambool had a “fun, happy vibe”.

“There have been so, so many friendships created. We are basically family,” she said. 

“It's really emotional. We all had a get together on Tuesday morning. We said what we would miss most about working with each other. There was a few tears shed.”

She said working in the industry had helped build her own horse skills, and further her riding career.

“It has helped boost my confidence,” she said. “I definitely want to go work for another Warrnambool stable, or if not, in the industry or something to do with animals.”

She said she had no idea about any of the allegations Weir faced, including the use of electronic ‘jiggers’.

“I never saw anything bad going on. Everything was normal every day,” she said.

“It was a good place to work. Some people are already considering moving to get work elsewhere. It's not about the money, we are doing it because we love our job. Our work does not feel like a workplace. It feels like home. We are doing something we love the most.

“People have said a lot of mean comments but at the end of the day we have suffered too and the people I have met through this job and industry are incredible. It’s been the greatest opportunity to work for Darren Weir and to work with some of the best horses in the state. It’s been hard seeing so many horses go away to different trainers as we all share a big love for these horses.

“Every horse has their quirks which makes them so special.”