Jockey Nico de Boinville Faces Racial Abuse Allegations at Cheltenham Festival
Nico de Boinville has been accused of racially abusing fellow jockey Declan Queally during a heated confrontation at the Cheltenham Festival on Wednesday. The incident occurred ahead of the Turners Novices’ Hurdle and was captured by ITV cameras, sparking an official inquiry by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA).
Chaotic Pre-Race Exchange Captured on Camera
The footage showed De Boinville, riding Act Of Innocence, engaged in a shouting match with Irish amateur jockey Declan Queally. The argument erupted during a chaotic start marked by false starts and positional jostling, with De Boinville seen demanding Queally to "get back" as he attempted to secure a rail position for his horse.
Queally has since submitted a formal complaint of racial abuse to the BHA stewards. Speaking to the Racing Post, he detailed the encounter, stating, "I was boxing for my position down the inside amid general bunching. It was competitive, and I received repeated racial abuse from Nico de Boinville as I came around the corner. He then called me a f*****g p***k multiple times in front of the ITV camera."
Queally Claims He Was Singled Out as an Irish Amateur
Queally expressed frustration at being targeted, suggesting his status as an Irish amateur rider played a role. "I didn't talk back, thankfully," he said. "He tried to single me out as if I was causing the hassle, picking on me while trying to hold his position. Everyone was at fault, and there was no need for it. Other riders wouldn't do this because you can't just single out an Irish amateur like that—it's unfair and unprofessional."
Immediately after the race, both jockeys were interviewed by ITV. Queally remarked, "The start was a mess, and I got tracked back further than I wanted. Being abused by an English rider, Nico de Boinville, wasn’t very nice. I’m an amateur riding in front of my kids—it was horrific." In response, De Boinville tersely commented, "Maybe he should look in the mirror."
BHA Stewards Launch Inquiry into the Incident
The BHA stewards' report confirmed that Queally had lodged a complaint, though specifics were not disclosed. It stated, "An inquiry was held into a complaint from Mr D. Queally regarding an incident at the start. The stewards, having heard initial evidence from Queally and Nico de Boinville, have adjourned the matter to obtain further evidence."
In a related development, Queally received a one-day suspended suspension for misconduct at the start of the Turners Novices’ Hurdle, along with other riders including Jack Kennedy, Danny Gilligan, and Darragh O’Keefe. The Independent has reached out to the BHA for additional comment as the investigation continues.
