Some 23 years after booting home his first victory in August 2002 at Clairwood Park, Sean Veale reached the milestone of his first century of winners in a season at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Wednesday.
Centurion Sean Veale and Gallop TV’s Warren Lenferna drink a toast to a big moment (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
Des Egdes trained the Modern Day filly Emmency to mark that thrilling icebreaker for the Sporting Post-sponsored Cape Town-born rider and on Wednesday it was Summerveld trainer Bo Ngcobo who saddled the Hollywood Racing owned Eventidor for Veale’s century.
Hollywood Racing are on a roll, and celebrated three winners on the afternoon, two of which were partnered by Veale.
“Hollywood Racing have been a career changer for me and I’m so proud to have reached that 23 year long target for them. They could have given my job to anybody and I’m a very fortunate guy to get this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! I must thank the whole team, including Anthony Delpech, who has kept me on the right target, and my mind focused,” he added.
Veale, is now on 101 winners and has enjoyed a dream season. He won the Tote Gr2 Woolavington 2000 on Little Suzie last Saturday, and on Sunday rode the Vaughan Marshall-trained Inside Voice for Hollywood Racing’s 100 winner milestone this season.
Veale will partner the Drill Hall Stakes winner Gladatorian in the Hollywoodbets Gr1 Gold Challenge on Saturday 7 June.
The tussle at the top of the SA champion jockey log remains interesting, with reigning champion Richard Fourie on 215 winners, two ahead of Gavin Lerena on 213.
Craig Zackey has had a rough fortnight and is in third on 209 winners. Zackey returns at the Vaal today after an incident on Daily News 2000 day last Saturday.
