Kuala Lumpur based trainer Shane Edwards has been disqualified six and a half years by Racing & Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) stewards over the export from Western Australia to Singapore, transfer of ownership and bonafides, of horses he formerly trained.

The RWWA will be making application to all international jurisdictions seeking reciprocation of these penalties which means Edwards will have his MRA licence withdrawn.

Already, all horses entered by Edwards for Sunday’s meeting in Penang have been scratched.

The RWWA inquiry regarding Edwards commenced in July 2013 and was concluded on Monday. Local stewards found the trainer guilty earlier this year before handing down penalty of a three year disqualification.

"The industry cannot afford to be cast publically into the light as one that is lacking in proper regulation and order in matters of ownership of racehorses or that it is unable to properly self regulate these areas," a RWWA statement said.

"The owners of racehorses are the lifeblood of the industry as it is through their often not inconsiderable investment in stock that the industry has the animals by which to race.

"The industry must actively and manifestly maintain their confidence at all times.

"It would be catastrophic to the industry to lose the trust and faith of owners as there would be significant potential for them to remove or reduce their level of investment in racehorses.

"It is easy to imagine how if the industry was perceived to allow or not respond appropriately to conduct such as yours (Mr Edwards), how that would potentially discourage new entrants to the industry."

The stewards’ penalties for each charge issued were.

CHARGE 1: AR175A- Edwards engaged in conduct prejudicial to the image and interests of racing in his dealings with clients and others and failed to act honestly and openly in relation to financial and other aspects of those dealings.

PENALTY : Three year disqualification.

CHARGE 2: AR175(gg)- Edwards provied a misleading statement in respect of a matter in connection with the control of racing.

PENALTY: Six month disqualification.

CHARGE 3: AR175 (g)- Edwards did in the opinion of stewards, give evidence that was misleading by denying any knowledge, consent or issue of authority for the transfers of three horses.

PENALTY: Three year disqualification.

CHARGE 4: AR175(a)– Edwards nominated a horse (Splitsville) for two race meetings in November 2007 with no intention for it to start with such action being for the purposes of ensuring sufficient numbers for the race to proceed which in the opinion of the stewards is an improper practice in connection with racing.

PENALTY: $1500 fine.