Former Warrnambool horse trainer Jarrod McLean, Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Darren Weir and stable hand Tyson Kermond have been committed to stand trial after pleading not guilty to conspiracy charges.
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Weir pleaded not guilty to two counts of conspiracy and two firearm charges in the online division of the Warrnambool Magistrates Court on Monday.
McLean pleaded not guilty to two counts of conspiracy, one drug charge and seven alleged betting offences.
Kermond also pleaded not guilty to two counts of conspiracy.
The not guilty pleas were entered on Monday following a committal hearing that started on September 8.
Magistrate Ronald Saines told the court there was sufficient evidence before him for the three men to stand trial.
He did however discharge one charge of using corrupt conduct information for betting purposes.
He said there wasn't enough evidence to support allegations McLean gave retired jockey William Hernan corrupt information for the purposes of betting on a horse in the days before the Melbourne Cup.
That charge was dismissed.
It meant Hernan was cleared of the single charge against him of corrupt betting.
The Standard contacted Hernan but he declined to comment.
Weir, McLean and Kermond are accused of conspiring to cheat and defraud Racing Victoria officials over an illegal training regime they allegedly used on racehorses Red Cardinal, Yogi and Tosen Basil in the weeks before the 2018 Melbourne Cup.
Police allege the three men used blinkers, poly piping, whistling and electric shock devices known as 'jiggers' at Weir's Warrnambool stables on October 30, 2018.
The charge sheets allege the men took part in conduct that tortured, abused, overworked and terrified the horses and caused them unreasonable pain and suffering.
McLean also faces seven charges of placing bets on the racehorses and encouraging others to do so. That does not include the charge involving Hernan that was discharged on Monday.
The three men were committed to stand trial and will appear in court again on November 19 for a directions hearing.
They entered bail with a condition to live at a stable address, Weir in Baringhup, McLean in Yangery and Kermond in Warrnambool.
READ more: Jarrod McLean, Darren Weir charges
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