Image Source: Freepik

Patrick Veitch is a name that resonates with awe and intrigue in the world of horse racing. Dubbed “Enemy Number One” by bookmakers, Veitch’s journey from a Cambridge mathematics student to a legendary professional gambler is filled with remarkable achievements and lesser-known tales. Here are five fascinating insights into his life and career:

1. A Cambridge Mathematician Turned Betting Prodigy

Veitch’s foray into professional gambling began during his time at Cambridge University, where he studied mathematics. His analytical prowess led him to establish a telephone tipping service, “The Professional,” which reportedly earned him over £10,000 a month by his third year. This success caught the attention of billionaire racehorse owner Michael Tabor, who hired Veitch on a retainer for his betting insights. One notable tip was Blue Goblin, a horse that won decisively at Newmarket in 1997, validating Veitch’s confidence and analytical skills.

2. Surviving a Life-Threatening Extortion Plot

In 1998, Veitch became the target of a dangerous extortion scheme orchestrated by Calvin Hall, a criminal who demanded £70,000 under threats of violence. Refusing to capitulate, Veitch went into hiding for nine months and later testified against Hall in court, wearing a bulletproof vest. His courage contributed to Hall’s imprisonment, but the ordeal left lasting emotional and financial scars.

3. Masterminding One of the Biggest Betting Coups

Veitch’s most renowned betting success involved a horse named Exponential. In 2004, Exponential was backed from odds of 100/1 to 8/1 before winning a maiden race at Nottingham. Veitch, who owned the horse under a partnership name, orchestrated the gamble through a network of agents placing bets nationwide. The coup reportedly netted him and his associates around £500,000, showcasing his strategic acumen and deep understanding of the betting market.

4. Transitioning to Bloodstock Investment

Beyond betting, Veitch has made significant strides in the bloodstock market. In 2017, he invested heavily in the stallion Lope De Vega, anticipating a rise in the sire’s reputation—a prediction that proved accurate. By 2022, Veitch became a founding investor in RaceShare, a racehorse syndication platform, and now leads their horse purchasing team. His selections have yielded impressive results, with horses like Scampi and Treasure Time achieving notable victories.

5. Adapting to Changing Gambling Landscapes

In recent years, Veitch has shifted his betting focus to Hong Kong, citing restrictive UK gambling policies that hinder large-stake betting. He criticizes the UK’s regulatory environment for deterring even recreational punters with substantial assets, leading to a decline in serious betting activity. In contrast, Hong Kong’s betting market offers fewer restrictions and greater opportunities for high-stake wagers, aligning better with Veitch’s professional approach.

Patrick Veitch’s journey is a testament to analytical brilliance, resilience, and adaptability. From surviving life-threatening challenges to executing legendary betting coups and transitioning into successful bloodstock investments, his story continues to captivate and inspire within the horse racing and gambling communities.

Photo: Freepik

Image Source: Freepik

Patrick Veitch, once the most feared man in British betting circles, is a name synonymous with precision, mathematics, and massive wins. At the height of his betting career, Veitch amassed millions through meticulous analysis and cold-blooded execution, especially in horse racing. His story is one of rare intellect applied ruthlessly in a domain where emotion often undermines profit. But in recent years, speculation has grown: does Patrick Veitch still bet?

The answer is nuanced. Yes, Veitch still bets—but not in the way he once did.

From Sharp Bettor to Strategic Investor

Veitch has not entirely exited the world of betting, but he’s reshaped his involvement. These days, he refers to himself as a “Professional Investor“—a title that now encapsulates his work in both global betting markets and thoroughbred bloodstock investments. While the name “Veitch” once caused bookmakers across Britain to flinch, his current focus is more diversified and deliberate.

His transition is partly strategic and partly philosophical. As Veitch explained in a recent interview, he didn’t want to reach retirement and find himself with nothing intellectually stimulating to pursue. So, he shifted gears, investing in multiple bloodstock projects that provide both challenge and fulfillment without the exhausting demands of daily betting.

From Wagers to Winners: His Role in RaceShare

Central to Veitch’s current endeavors is his role as the largest investor and key talent scout for RaceShare, a rapidly growing racing syndicate. Here, Veitch’s mission is simple but ambitious: source the best possible horses for syndicate members while creating a community-centered ownership experience.

Unlike his past, where betting was largely solitary and secretive, syndicate ownership offers him a more social and emotionally rewarding platform. As he notes, “Having owned horses outright in the past, I have come to learn how much more enjoyable wins are when shared with friends and like-minded individuals.” The thrill of seeing hundreds of happy owners when Treasure Time won at the York Ebor meeting is something Veitch now values more than private betting triumphs.

Importantly, Veitch maintains a strict boundary: he does not bet on RaceShare horses. He insists that owners should feel secure knowing they are not competing with someone more informed or financially aggressive. This rule not only reinforces trust but also reflects Veitch’s evolving ethics in the sport.

Betting in Hong Kong: The Last Frontier

But that doesn’t mean Veitch has completely hung up his betting boots. While affordability checks and regulatory constraints in the UK have all but killed the high-stakes game he once dominated, Veitch has turned his attention to Hong Kong racing.

Hong Kong’s racing circuit is widely considered one of the most honest, well-regulated, and data-rich environments in the world. For someone like Veitch—who thrives in markets where discipline, structure, and sharp data analysis are rewarded—Hong Kong represents a new frontier. It’s no coincidence that he shifted his focus there: tighter stewarding, greater liquidity, and the lack of “soft” inside information make it a purer battlefield for betting professionals.

Though quieter about his Hong Kong operations, Veitch continues to apply his proven techniques: data modeling, value spotting, and psychological discipline. It’s betting, but not as the tabloids remember it.

A Legacy Beyond the Ledger

While his betting may now be more geographically and strategically selective, Veitch’s influence on the sport of horse racing is as potent as ever. His bloodstock investments have yielded standout successes, including:

Lake Forest, who was bought for 130,000 guineas and has since earned over £3 million.

Scampi and Treasure Time, both of whom won major races under the RaceShare banner, creating unforgettable moments for syndicate members.

These aren’t just wins on a spreadsheet; they’re moments of shared joy, crafted through expert buying and a refined eye for quality.

Looking Forward

Veitch has ambitious long-term goals for RaceShare—aiming for 30 horses in five years and 60-100 in a decade, possibly expanding into breeding syndicates. But it’s not just about scale. It’s about elevating the ownership experience, finding undervalued equine talent, and creating a modern model for racing participation.

And while his role may now lean more toward investor and mentor than front-line punter, his guiding philosophy remains unchanged: discipline, insight, and a refusal to follow the crowd.

So, Does Patrick Veitch Still Bet?

Yes—strategically, selectively, and in markets worthy of his time. But betting is now just one part of a broader, more balanced portfolio. Patrick Veitch hasn’t left the game. He’s just rewritten the rules on how it’s played.

From solitary bets to syndicate success stories, Veitch’s journey shows that brilliance in betting doesn’t fade—it evolves.

Photo: Freepik