Police raided the stables of Australian trainer Darren Weir on Wednesday, with potential claims of animal cruelty and racing fraud going on behind closed doors.
The 48yo was one of three men arrested by authorities after they invaded estates at both Warrnambool and Ballarat, all of whom were released without immediate charges.
Weir is best known for his success with Prince Of Penzance in the 2015 Melbourne Cup, fending off the late challenge of the-then inexperienced Max Dynamite, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Frankie Dettori - with a certain youthful Big Orange back in fifth.
An unregistered firearm, cocaine and four devices including 'jiggers', - a device that produces an electronic shock to booster horses performance on the track, were also found at the locations.
Prince Of Penzance to win the 2015 Melbourne Cup,
(Credit: Racing Post) Jamie Stier, Racing Victoria Executive General Manager said: “The Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit this morning executed warrants at properties in Warrnambool and Ballarat where they arrested three licensed persons for questioning.
"Members of the Racing Victoria Integrity Services team attended licensed stables to assist Victoria Police and to investigate potential offences against the Rules of Racing.
“As the matters are the subject of ongoing investigations by Victoria Police and Racing Victoria we are not at liberty at this time to disclose the identities of the persons arrested nor the details of the investigations.
(Credit: Racing Post) Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Neil Paterson added: "Today's warrants show that Victoria Police will investigate allegations of corruption in sport and racing.
"We do that in partnership, in this instance, with Racing Victoria and relevant other bodies.
"We also work very closely with the offices of the Racing Integrity Commissioner in Victoria, and other racing codes of harness racing and greyhound racing," he said.
With the investigation ongoing, Weir is not expected to have any runners in the days to come, which will certainly come to bite him at Caulfield on Saturday.
Victoria Derby winner Extra Brut is one of many from the yard holding big race entries, whilst all owners and connections have been advised on the timespan of the situation.