Sean Veale has recounted how poor judgement in private whatsapp exchanges with a registered owner could cost him the ‘best retained jockey position in the world’ and a professional opportunity of a lifetime.
The NHA charged that Veale bet on a race indirectly, on three separate occasions, including most recently on Race 2 on 15 February 2025.
He signed an Admission of Guilt for this offence and was fined the sum of R80 000, R50 000 of which is suspended for a period of two years on condition that he is not found guilty of a contravention of Rule 21.2 or any other Rule pertaining to betting or any corrupt, dishonest, or illegal practice during this period.
Sean Veale – talks from the heart (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
The Owner, who has not been named due to the NHA’s whistleblower protection policy, also signed an Admission of Guilt for his involvement in the matter in terms of the provisions of Rule 71.4. He was fined the sum of R20 000, of which R10 000 is suspended for a period of two years on condition that he is not found guilty of contravening this Rule or any other Rule pertaining to any corrupt, dishonest or illegal actions during this period.
Enjoying the best season of his twenty two year career in the saddle, the Grade 1-winning rider was contracted by Hollywood Racing last month as their first retained jockey and has already enjoyed feature success for the globally successful operation.
The 38 year old Cape Town-born lightweight has ridden 73 winners this term and was sitting on the back of some bright prospects as we head into the final five months of the season.
The father of two told the Sporting Post that he had been guilty of ‘gross errors of poor judgement’.
“I have admitted guilt. That was absolutely stupid. Here I am sitting on the brink of great things that would have changed the lives of my family and the direction of my career, and I go and do this. I owe so many entities and people an apology,” he added emotionally as he said that he needed to publically air his remorse and apologies.
“I would like to formally apologise to Hollywood Racing – they didn’t deserve this after the lifechanging opportunity they gave me. And in fact to all owners and trainers that have supported me. Also to my sponsors Sporting Post. It was never my intention to disrespect or disregard them. I hold both brands in the highest regard. I in fact need to apologise to all stakeholders and the National Horseracing Authority for bringing the sport into potential disrepute. And then to my wife Maxine and my boys, Cody and Troy. They are the very reason I get up at the crack of dawn and do this great job every day. I am so sincerely sorry. It’s my fault. Full stop!” he added.
Sean Veale grew up on the mean streets of Mitchells Plain on the Cape Flats and it was the SA Jockey Academy that rescued him from an uncertain future in the crime-ridden community where he was raised.
He rode his first winner Emmency at Clairwood on 15 August 2002.
“If I could turn back time, I would do things differently. But I am taking this as school fees and a lesson learnt. I still thankfully have my family support and intend to double my work-rate and get myself back on track. I hope this serves as an example to the young jockeys. It’s just not worth it!” he concluded.
