Stewards lay charges against Edwards
Perth Cup-winning trainer Shane Edwards faces four charges following protracted stewards' investigations into complaints from former WA clients that their thoroughbreds were illegally exported to Singapore and Malaysia between 2008 and 2013.
Stewards started looking into the owners' complaints against Edwards 12 months ago.
It was alleged at least nine thoroughbreds had been exported to Malaysia and Singapore without permission or that the owners had not received any payments from the sale of their horses.
The first charge against Edwards was that he "engaged in conduct prejudicial to the image or interests or welfare of racing, in his dealings with his clients and others, in that he had failed to act honestly and openly in relation to his financial and other aspects of those dealings".
The second charge surrounds him giving "false or (a) misleading statement or declaration in respect of any matter in connection with the administration or control of racing".
It is alleged that during an interview with RWWA's principal investigator Phil O'Reilly on February 22, 2013, Edwards denied the knowledge of the other shareholder in the galloper Splitsville, which was a misleading statement in respect of a matter with the control of racing.
The third charge was that at the inquiry on November 20, 2013, Edwards "did in the opinion of the stewards give evidence that was misleading by denying any knowledge, consent or issue of authority for the transfers of Born Genius, Regal Rascal and Star Boronia".
The three horses were owned by Edwards' father, former top trainer David Edwards.
Charge four was Edwards "did nominate Splitsville for the race meeting on 17 November, 2007, and on 24 November, 2007, with no intention for it to start". His action was to ensure there were sufficient numbers for the race to proceed, to the benefit of Valentine Miss. Stewards deem this improper practice.
Edwards did not appear to hear the charges.
Racing Integrity chief steward Denis Borovica hopes to hold the hearing early next month.
