Sport
26 June, 2026
Weir siblings carving their own path in racing industry
Taige and Bonny Weir are steadily forging their own identities in the horse racing industry, building early success while continuing the legacy of their father, trainer Darren Weir.
Born to Leonie Bibby and Darren Weir, and growing up in Navarre, the sisters attended Stawell Secondary College before attending university studies in Geelong.
Taige has taken the plunge into training, while Bonny is taking a more measured approach, working within the industry but not rushing to obtain her own licence.
After completing studies in Equine Studies and a Bachelor of Business Management at Marcus Oldham College, Taige received her training licence in February. Just a week later, she celebrated a dream debut when 'No Greater Vue' delivered her first winner at Colac, and within a week following that, trained her second win with 'Kings Reflection' saluting at Warrnambool.
Since then, she has added further success with 'Kamezali' and 'Vivid Blooms', reaching four winners in her first three months, an impressive start for a young trainer finding her feet in a highly competitive industry.
Taige said racing had always been part of her life, but a stint working under leading trainer Chris Waller helped cement her decision to pursue training seriously.
“Bonnie and I were always pushed around in the pram at races and we didn’t really have a choice. I think it was bred into me,” she said.
“I went away to university and partied, and did all that fun stuff that teenagers do, and when I spent some time with Chris, that’s when I thought I would become a trainer.
“He had a different way of doing things compared to my dad. I worked with some amazing horses, especially 'Nature Strip', and to see his system and how it works, I was like, ‘wow, it’s amazing’.”
Despite stepping into her own role, Taige said her father remains a key source of support and advice.
“He has taught me how to communicate with owners, what races suit horses, and if I’ve got one that goes off its feed, what to feed it. I can ring him anytime,” she said.
The highlight of her early career came immediately with that first win at Colac with 'No Greater Vue'.
“It was my first race day after getting my licence, and it was pretty special,” she said.
“I told my mum not to bring my Grandma [Helen Bibby] and Pa [Rupert Bibby], and she said we needed to have them there. I was lucky they were there to share the moment with me.
“It was a bit of a whirlwind few minutes after the race. I was over the moon but also wasn’t sure if he had actually won and didn’t want to go the early crow, but he won fair and square. We went out for dinner and celebrated afterwards, and it was a day I’ll never forget.”
Taige now oversees a stable of 35 horses and said success depends on teamwork.
“You have to have horses, staff to look after them and owners to back you, so it’s not just me, it’s a team effort,” she said.
“Working with Bonnie is also great. We have our blues like all siblings do, but we get on well, have the same interests, and it’s special to work together.”
Bonnie, also a Marcus Oldham graduate in Equine Studies, is currently focused on pre-training and breaking in horses and is in no rush to obtain her own trainer’s licence.
“I am getting my pre-trainer licence, but I am still young, so I’m not in a rush, and hopefully I’ll get one down the track,” she said.
“Both my parents have taught me everything I know, and they are still teaching us. I am constantly learning from them.”
Bonnie said she values the lifestyle and challenges of the industry.
“It’s all I know, and it’s what I love. I haven’t done anything else,” she said.
“It’s a challenging sport, but rewarding at the same time. You get to work with some pretty amazing animals, and seeing them succeed is even better.”
She now runs a pre-training and breaking-in business with her partner, Henry, staying busy most days but still finding time to support Taige when she can.
“I go to the races and help out anywhere I can when I get out of work,” she said.
“Being there when Taige trained her first winner was a special feeling. I was glad I was there.”
Still in their twenties, both sisters have long careers ahead of them. Based on Taige’s rapid rise in her first few months, the Weir name looks set to remain part of the racing landscape for years to come.