News & Media

11 January 2011 Stewards’ Inquiry – Thoroughbreds

RWWA Stewards today continued the inquiry into the recent Police charges laid against Trainer Mr Shane Edwards in the Midland Police Court on Tuesday, 7 December 2010 in relation to the possession of an unauthorised apparatus (imitation mobile phone “electrical contrivance") and an assault on a licensed Track Rider.

At the last hearing on Friday, 7 January 2011 Mr Edwards, when represented by Mr Damian Sheales Barrister, pleaded guilty to:

• to a charge under ARR175(hh) for having in his possession an electronic apparatus designed to deliver an electric shock, and
• to a charge under ARR175(q) for improper conduct in that on 8 November 2010 at his training establishment at Egerton he forcibly held Track Rider Mr Anderson by the neck, pushing him backwards.

At today's hearing Mr Edwards appeared unrepresented and stated to the Stewards that he wished to change his plea to not guilty to the charge under ARR.175(hh). Mr Edwards explained that at the last hearing, whilst acknowledging that he was legally represented, he had not fully understood the seriousness of the charge. Further, it was his intention to call a range of witnesses to defend the charge.

After due consideration, the Stewards accepted the change of plea to not guilty in relation to the charge under ARR.175(hh) and adjourned the inquiry to Tuesday, 25 January 2011 at 10.30am at the RWWA Stewards Room Ascot Racecourse.

JOHN A. ZUCAL
RWWA Chairman of Stewards
From the office of the Chairman of Stewards
Racing and Wagering Western Australia
Stewards Division
70 Grandstand Road
Ascot WA 6104
Ph: (08) 9277 0777