EMBATTLED Yangery trainer Jarrod McLean's application to take over disgraced trainer Darren Weir's $1 million on-course training stables at the Warrnambool racecourse has been refused by Racing Victoria.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
McLean, who is fighting four charges including the possession of an electronic or electric apparatus capable of affecting the performance of a horse laid after police raids at Warrnambool and Ballarat in January, made an application to take over 43 boxes which were used by Weir.
He also applied to take over a smaller on-course training facility also used by Weir which contains 13 on-course stables.
In a statement released late Wednesday, the Racing Victoria Board said that "acting in the interests and image of Victorian racing", McLean's application "cannot be approved while serious charges laid by RV Stewards are pending hearing and determination by the RAD Board and while the current Victoria Police investigation remains ongoing".
The group one winning trainer also faces charges relating to failing to give evidence at a stewards' inquiry, failing to comply with a direction from stewards and conduct prejudicial to the image of racing. Racing Victoria's Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board will hear the four charges on May 22.
READ MORE:
Weir was found guilty of possessing three jiggers at his Ballarat home and was disqualified from racing for four years.
The Standard has contacted McLean but he has not responded.
Warrnambool Racing Club CEO Peter Downs said the club was in discussions with a potential buyer for Weir's main training facility.
"We're having on-going discussions with a potential buyer," Mr Downs said.
"Darren Weir owns all the infrastructure including stables, treadmills and walking machines in the 43-box barn. We own the land.
"It's envisaged the buyer will sub-let the facility. There are two other parties who have made applications for the facility."
