Darren Weir: One of Australia’s leading horse trainers is sensationally accused of trying to corrupt the result of the Melbourne Cup

Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Darren Weir has been sensationally accused of trying to corrupt the famous race that stops a nation by using a jigger on 2018 starter Red Cardinal.

Weir – who won the 2015 Cup with 100/1 outsider Prince of Penzance – pleaded guilty to using an electronic jigger on three racehorses at a Victorian Racing Court hearing on Monday.

He also admitted guilt to other animal welfare-related charges.

Weir has pleaded not guilty to attempting to corrupt a series of race results – including the Melbourne Cup at Flemington – in 2018.

It comes after surveillance footage allegedly showed Weir, his Warrnambool trainer Jarrod McLean and his stablemate Tyson Kermond using an electronic prod on horses Red Cardinal, Yogi and Tosen Basil in October 2018.

It is alleged that the three horses were probed with triggers while training on a treadmill while being whipped with a plastic pipe while wearing blinkers.

Weir allegedly hid the jigger in his pockets between uses on the horses’ rumps, ribs and backs, according to racing network.

The stewards further alleged that Weir used the jigger and flashers in tandem to force Red Cardinal to pair the helmet with an electric shock in a deliberate attempt to improve his 3,200m race performance at the biggest standing event from Australia.

Ridden by Damien Oliver, the Irish stayer finished second-last among the 24 entrants – beaten by almost 70 lengths by eventual winner Cross Counter.

Weir is no stranger to court hearings after being hit with a four-year ban by Racing Victoria in February 2019.

It is understood that despite his disqualification which ended last year, Weir did not seek to renew his license in the state.

Weir began his career in the sport as a strapper before working his way up to employ nearly 200 people to work with more than 500 horses.

He is said to have earned more than $130 million in career prize money and trained riders such as Black Heart Bart, Humidor and Nature Strip.

The hearing continues.