Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Darren Weir fronts court over animal cruelty charges

Suspended Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Darren Weir has faced court charged with torturing, abusing, overworking and terrifying horses.

Fellow trainer Jarrod McLean and stable hand Tyson Kermond appeared alongside him in the Melbourne Magistrates Court today, also on animal cruelty charges, and stable hand William Hernan appeared on corrupt conduct charges.

Weir is accused of torturing, abusing, overworking, terrifying and causing unreasonable suffering to a thoroughbred race horse, as well as a conspiracy to defraud Racing Victoria stewards, following January police raids on his Ballarat and Warrnambool stables.

The four men did not speak in court during a minutes-long hearing.

Their lawyer, Tony Hannebery, indicated the case may be moved to Warrnambool after additional documents are tendered.

A hand-up brief, which includes witness interviews and statements, is expected by November 20.

Weir and his co-accused are on bail and expected back in court on February 14, 2020.