Former Weir foreman Jarrod McLean has been suspended indefinitely by Racing Victoria as he faces court.
He is facing multiple charges that include torturing, abusing, overworking and petrifying a thoroughbred racehorce and engaging in a conspiracy to defraud Racing Victoria stewards.
He is facing a total of sixteen charges, which also involves the possession of cocaine.
The charges stem from raids on properties of disqualified trainer Darren Weir at Ballarat and Warrnambool in January.
On Thursday, Racing Victoria stewards initiated three individual inquiries against McLean, stable employee Tyson Kermond and licensed jokey agent and stable employee William Hernan.
Jarrod McLean’s racehorses ‘Lucy Mac’, ‘Pour Vous’ and ‘Wish I Might’ all have been scratched following Racing Victoria’s orders.
At the inquiry on Thursday, the racing unit of Racing Victoria stated:
“A person must not refuse or fail to attend or give evidence at an interview, investigation, inquiry, hearing or appeal when directed or requested to do so by a PRA, the Stewards or a person authorised by a PRA or the Stewards”.
During the inquiries, Mr McLean, Mr Hernan, and Mr Kermond failed to present evidence to the investigation team.
After an exhaustive seven-hour inquiry, McLean and Kermond were suspended indefinitely pending the result of a Magistrates Court hearing set on October 23.
Mr Hernan was debarred until the verdict of his charge, for refusing to provide supporting evidence.
Earlier, McLean arrived at the hearing with his legal representatives Patrick Wheelahan and Rony Hannebery.
McLean left the inquiry without giving any press statement.
Each of the charges will be brought up to the Victorian Racing Tribunal (VRT) to be heard by Mr Weir on a date to be decided.
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Photo: Horses racing JockeyBy LiZardboy available HERE and used under a Creative Commons Attribution. The image has not been modified.
Muhammad Asad Roohani is a first year Master of Journalism Innovation student at La Trobe University. You can follow him on Twitter @asaadroohani
