PROHIBITED PRACTICE

The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (NHA) confirms that it has concluded an investigation into a Jockey providing information to an Owner in relation to having a bet on Race 2 at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse on Saturday, 15 February 2025, which would benefit both parties.

It was established that recorded communication was sent to a registered Owner, by Jockey Sean Veale and that there were at least two similar communications involving betting, that had taken place previously.

Mr Sean Veale and the Owner were charged and elected to sign Admission of Guilts for the contraventions of the Rules as set out below.

21.2 No JOCKEY shall bet on a RACE whether directly or indirectly, either personally or through any other party, nor shall any PERSON or individual place a bet on behalf of any JOCKEY on a RACE. For the purpose of this Rule, “RACE” shall include any race held under the auspices of any FOREIGN RACING AUTHORITY.

71.4 Any PERSON who assists any other PERSON or individual to commit an offence or is a party to or incites or allows the commission of an offence, whether directly or indirectly and whether before or after its commission, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable, on conviction, to the same penalties as are competent for a contravention of the CONSTITUTION or the RULE itself.

The specifics of the charges are that Mr Veale bet on a race indirectly, on three separate occasions, including most recently on Race 2 on 15 February 2025.

Mr Veale 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.

The Owner 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.

The matter illustrates the importance of information being made available to all stake holders, which includes the largest stakeholder group, the betting public and not only to a select few, who wish to prosper from inside information.

The NHA encourages all stake holders to advise if they receive any advances from licensed Riders involving betting on races. For this reason, and to illustrate that all information will be kept confidential, the name of the Owner involved has been retained for the internal records of the NHA.

Please see the contact details of the Anonymous Reporting Line as set out below.

Free Call telephone number: 0800 220 777

E-mail: [email protected]

NHA Release