The 'abhorrent' shock device at centre of Darren Weir allegations

Damning footage of racehorses being shocked with electrical devices is expected to form part of a police case against Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Darren Weir.

Weir’s glittering career is at risk of losing its shine amid allegations of corruption and animal cruelty.

The 48-year-old was one of three people arrested and then released during raids on properties, including stables, at Ballarat and Warrnambool on Wednesday.

Police seized four taser-like devices, known as “jiggers” in the racing industry, an unregistered firearm and a suspected quantity of cocaine.

What is a jigger?

A ‘jigger’ is a small device held to a horse’s neck, supposedly making it run faster after an electric shock.

Their use is illegal in Victoria.

In 2007, trainer Paul Preusker and jockey Holly McKechnie were hit with four and three-year disqualifications using them during trackwork.

“The practice of giving an electric shock to a thoroughbred is abhorrent and it’s also dishonest and it’s simply another form of cheating,” Judge Russell Lewis of the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board said about McKechnie and Preusker.

Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Neil Paterson said the investigation spanned back to August and included allegations of corruption in sport.

“This is a complex investigation making an assessment of many aspects of evidence and I anticipate that assessment will take some time before we can make decisions in the context of charges,” he said on Wednesday.

“I have heard that there may be footage in the public arena … of jiggers being used.”

Weir’s legacy in question

Weir and a 38-year-old Yangery man, believed to be one of the trainer’s foremen, Jarrod McLean, and a 26-year-old were questioned for hours on Wednesday.

The trio was released pending further investigation.

“The rules we have in place are that there are mandatory rules around some of the issues that have been investigated, about corrupted racing and electrical devices,” Racing Victoria chief Giles Thompson said on Thursday.

“There are also rules that allow us to potentially stand down licensed people if we believe that that is in the interests of racing or is necessary for the protection of racing.

“The stewards are the ones who have that determination, they are keeping a close eye on that they are assessing the information that they currently have and they will make that determination based on legal advice when they have thoroughly had a chance to explore that.”

Weir is Australia’s most successful trainer and coached the 2015 Melbourne Cup winner Prince of Penzance, ridden by Michelle Payne, who became the first woman to win the coveted trophy.

Seven Weir-trained horses are due to start at Pakenham on Thursday, and nine on Friday.

with AAP