BHA to continue investigation into De Boinville allegation

The British Horseracing Authority will continue its investigation into an allegation of racial abuse by Nico de Boinville against Irish rider Declan Queally after the pair clashed before the start of the first race at Cheltenham on Wednesday.

De Boinville, who strongly denies the allegation, and Queally exchanged words as they tried to secure a position close to the tapes at the start of the Turners Novices’ Hurdle, with Queally later submitting a complaint to the British Horseracing Authority.

Public Reconciliation on ITV

The pair were reunited on ITV Racing on Thursday and exchanged pleasantries after the second race, with Queally saying: “It was just a heat of the moment battle and all is forgiven. Best of luck to Nico in the future.”

De Boinville added that “I appreciate Declan and wish him the best” but the BHA confirmed the investigation, which is expected to conclude after the Festival, will continue.

A BHA spokesperson said: “When an allegation has been made it must be investigated.

“The enquiry process has begun, evidence is being gathered and once started, the process needs to be completed. We will continue to gather and consider any relevant evidence as part of this.”

De Boinville's Strong Denial

De Boinville had earlier denied the allegation, telling BBC Radio Five Live: “It’s an ongoing investigation, the stewards are gathering all the evidence they can from the video footage.

“From my point of view, I deny all of the allegations against me. I can categorically say that there weren’t any racial slurs or anything like that. Let’s let it play out.”

Before his television meeting with De Boinville, Queally had expressed a desire to put an end to the issue.

When an allegation has been made it must be investigated. The enquiry process has begun, evidence is being gathered and once started, the process needs to be completed.

BHA Spokesperson

He said: “It was heated down there, we’re sportspeople and as was said this morning, tempers can rise. But we’ll see what the BHA say.

“I told the BHA what was said so that’s all I’m saying. It was very heated and I could see how competitive it was. There was a lot of swearing.

“I was where Nico wanted to be and unfortunately what happened, happened. Everyone has cooled down now, hopefully it can be resolved and we can put the matter behind us.

Review of Festival Starts

“I can appreciate how much pressure everyone is under, things can be said that are not meant to be said, I can appreciate that.”

Both riders commented on television directly after the race and Queally added: “Everyone would like to put this stupid matter behind them. If I hadn’t been caught after the race when when blood was still up there might have been nothing about it.

“Nico’s blood was up at the start and probably shouldn’t have said what he said but I think people should enjoy the Cheltenham Festival rather than the media swarming around me, it’s a silly thing.

“There was effing and blinding, there was a racial comment thrown, I’ve told the BHA but I’d prefer to enjoy my day.”

The BHA announced plans for a full review of the Festival starts once the meeting has finished and Queally feels it is an issue that needs to be addressed, adding: “The starts are a mess across the board and the whole thing got heated yesterday.”

Queally was one of four jockeys along with Jack Kennedy, Danny Gilligan and Darragh O’Keeffe to receive a ban as they “had not approached the tape at a walk or a jig-jog thereby causing a false start, resulting in a standing start.”