Cheltenham jockey Nico de Boinville accused of racism after row at race start

PoliticsSports
12 Mar 2026 • 6:35 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • Nico de Boinville has been accused of racially abusing fellow jockey Declan Queally at the Cheltenham Festival.
  • The alleged incident occurred during a heated exchange before the Turners Novices’ Hurdle, which was captured by ITV cameras.
  • Queally claims De Boinville used racial slurs and other expletives, stating he felt singled out as an Irish amateur rider.
  • Following the race, Queally submitted a formal complaint of racial abuse to the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) stewards.
  • The BHA stewards have adjourned the matter to obtain further evidence, while Queally and other riders received a one-day suspended ban for misconduct at the start.

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