Professional jockey Nico de Boinville has issued a firm defence against allegations of racial abuse made by Irish amateur rider Declan Queally during the second day of the prestigious Cheltenham Festival. The explosive row, partially captured by ITV cameras, has prompted an official investigation by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA).
Allegations and Denials in the Spotlight
Declan Queally initially told ITV that de Boinville's behaviour was 'horrible' as he returned to the weighing room. He later elaborated in an interview with The Racing Post, alleging repeated racial abuse from de Boinville during the approach to the start line. Queally claimed de Boinville also called him a 'f***ing p***k' multiple times in front of the television cameras. 'I just didn't talk back to him, thankfully I didn't open my mouth,' Queally stated.
De Boinville's Categorical Denial
In response, Nico de Boinville told BBC Radio 5 Live: 'It's an ongoing investigation, the stewards are gathering all the evidence they can from all the video footage. From my point of view I deny all the allegations against me and I can categorically say there wasn't any racial slurs or anything like that but yeah... let it play out.'
Official BHA Investigation Underway
Both jockeys were interviewed by Shaun Parker, the BHA's leading steward, following the incident. The BHA released a statement confirming: 'An enquiry was held into a complaint received from Mr D. Queally regarding an incident at the start. The Stewards, having heard the initial evidence from Queally and Nico de Boinville, have adjourned the matter to obtain further evidence.'
Television Footage Captures Confrontation
ITV cameras documented the heated exchange between de Boinville, riding Act Of Innocence for trainer Nicky Henderson, and Queally aboard I'll Sort That. The footage showed de Boinville shouting at Queally, apparently losing his temper and demanding he 'get back' while manoeuvring his horse to claim the rail position occupied by Queally's mount.
The incident occurred before the first race of the second day, which experienced a false start - one of several disruptions during a frustrating afternoon of racing. Despite the race eventually proceeding, the controversy continued to unfold in the aftermath, casting a shadow over the festival proceedings.
De Boinville had begun the Cheltenham Festival successfully, winning the opening race on Tuesday aboard Old Park Star. The current allegations represent a significant departure from that triumphant start, placing both jockeys at the centre of a potentially damaging controversy for the sport.
