BHA Issues Update on Investigation into Racial Abuse Allegation at Cheltenham
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has provided an update regarding its ongoing investigation into serious accusations made by an Irish rider. Amateur jockey Declan Queally has alleged that he was subjected to racial abuse by top professional rider Nico de Boinville during a heated exchange at the Cheltenham Festival.
Incident at the Starting Line
The altercation occurred before the start of the Turners' Novices' Hurdle on Wednesday, amidst a chaotic scene involving a 21-runner field. Tempers flared as jockeys jostled for position, leading to two false starts before the race eventually got underway. Queally lodged a formal complaint with the stewards immediately following the incident.
Footage from ITV Racing's coverage captured De Boinville, who famously rode Coneygree to Cheltenham Gold Cup victory in 2015, engaged in a furious exchange with Queally. The Irish amateur rider has claimed that De Boinville directed "repeated racial" abuse toward him during this confrontation.
Queally's Allegations and Reaction
Speaking to ITV Racing as he walked to the weighing room after the race, Queally expressed his distress: "Being abused by an English rider, Nico de Boinville, not very nice. I am an amateur, coming over here and riding in front of my kids. Horrific."
In subsequent comments to the Racing Post, Queally elaborated on the incident, stating he was "boxing for my position down the inside and there was a lot of general bunching going on." He alleged that De Boinville used racial slurs "a couple of times in front of the ITV camera" and attempted to single him out as the cause of the trouble.
"I just didn't talk back to him, thankfully I didn't open my mouth," Queally added. "He tried to single me out as if I was the one causing the hassle. When he was shouting, he was picking on me when trying to hold his position."
De Boinville's Response and Disciplinary Action
When informed of Queally's comments about the difficult race start, De Boinville responded tersely: "Maybe he should look in the mirror." The footage showed De Boinville, aboard runner-up Act Of Innocence, shouting at Queally on I'll Sort That and appearing agitated, calling for Queally to "get back" while maneuvering for position on the rail.
Queally received a one-day ban for misconduct at the starting line, as did Jack Kennedy. Two other riders, Danny Gilligan and Darragh O'Keeffe, received two-day suspensions as repeat offenders within twelve months. The stewards' report cited all four for not approaching the tape properly, causing false starts.
Ongoing Investigation
The stewards' report confirmed an inquiry had been initiated "into a complaint received from Mr D. Queally regarding an incident at the start" but did not specify the nature of the complaint. After hearing initial evidence from both jockeys, the stewards adjourned the matter to gather additional evidence.
On Thursday, the BHA announced that stewards would continue collecting evidence over the coming days, including interviews with jockeys and review of broadcast footage. A BHA spokesperson stated: "This process will take some time and will therefore not be concluded during the Festival."
The investigation remains active as racing authorities work to determine the full facts surrounding these serious allegations at one of jump racing's most prestigious events.
