Horse trainer Darren Weir is disputing allegations he used an electric shock device known as a jigger on three horses with the intention of corrupting the outcome of the 2018 Melbourne Cup.
The Victorian Racing Tribunal hearing began in Melbourne on Monday morning, where Weir admitted to using the jigger, pleading guilty to seven charges.
He pleaded not guilty to three charges alleging he intended to corrupt the outcome of upcoming races.
A video was played to the tribunal showing Weir using the jigger on horses Red Cardinal, Tosen Basil, and Yogi at his Warrnambool stables on October 30, 2018.
The video showed each horse being led onto a treadmill, and the speed gradually increased.
Men were under surveillance
In the footage, blinkers were put over their eyes and the horses were whipped with poly pipe before Weir shocked them with the jigger.
The jigger was used on Red Cardinal seven times and Tosen Basil and Yogi nine times.
The prosecution alleged Kermond and McClean assisted and "kept watch so no-one else saw".
It is alleged the process was intended to condition the horses to associate the use of poly pipe and blinkers with the use of the jigger.
The tribunal heard the three men did not know they were subject to surveillance by Victoria Police under a warrant.
Red Cardinal and Tosen Basil had been accepted to race in the Melbourne Cup one week later, while Yogi was nominated to race in the Lexus Stakes on November 3 and it was possible he would also race in the cup.
The use of a jigger is banned in horse racing.
'Highly unusual' prosecution
Weir's former assistant trainer Jarrod McLean and stablehand Tyson Kermond are also facing charges as part of the Victorian Racing Tribunal hearing, with stewards alleging they helped Weir breach the rules.
The current five-day hearing follows a criminal case for animal cruelty, which was finalised in the Warrnambool Magistrates' Court in December 2022.
Racing Victoria said stewards "reactivated an investigation" when further evidence was presented as part of that case.
Weir and McLean were fined $36,000 each for three counts of animal abuse in that case and Kermond was ordered to donate $10,000 to the RSPCA in the criminal case.
The tribunal on Monday heard it was "highly unusual" for stewards to prosecute three people for conduct in relation to a race with "such significance" as the Melbourne Cup.
The tribunal, which is an independent body with a panel of three members, heard stewards would rely on comments made by Weir and expert evidence during the case.
Defence for the accused men say there are factual disputes in the case.
In 2019, Weir was found guilty by Racing Victoria's racing appeals and disciplinary board of possessing three outlawed electric shock devices and one charge of conduct prejudicial to the image, interests or welfare of racing.
Weir was subsequently handed a four-year ban from the sport that expired on February 6 last year.
Weir is not currently a licensed trainer, according to Racing Victoria.
The ABC understands Weir is involved in pre-training horses, which does not require a Racing Victoria licence.
Pre-trainers are able to work with horses on private properties prior to racing, but horses must be in the care of a licensed trainer a minimum of 28 days prior to any race, according to Racing Victoria rules.