JOCKEY Nico De Boinville has been cleared of racially abusing a rival during an explosive bust-up at the start of a Cheltenham Festival race.
Nicky Henderson’s No1 jockey was the subject of a complaint and enquiry initiated by amateur Irish rider Declan Queally.
Jockey Nico de Boinville, right, has been cleared of racially abusing rival Declan Queally, after they shook hands on live TV following their explosive Cheltenham bust-up
They had a huge falling out while lining up for the Turners Novices’ Hurdle last Wednesday.
Queally claimed he had been racially abused by De Boinville and said the abuse he suffered was ‘horrific’.
The pair made up and were filmed shaking hands in front of the weighing room live on ITV.
But the enquiry still had to run its course and the outcome was published today.
Crucially, De Boinville was found not to have racially abused Queally.
The enquiry read: “Having reviewed and considered all the evidence it was clear that the riders were frustrated with the delay in starting the race on the second attempt, as a number of riders were reluctant to take a turn and get behind the marker poles.
“It is understood, and accepted, that strong language was used by de Boinville at the start and directed towards Mr Queally.
“It was also stated that a number of riders were also verbally expressing their frustration at the start away from the incident being enquired into.
“There was no audio evidence or verbal evidence given from any party during the course of the enquiry to corroborate that any language used was of a racist nature.
“Whilst the Stewards understand that in a highly competitive environment emotions do sometimes run high, there is an expectation and an obligation on participants in terms of their behaviour under the Rules of Racing and the Code of Conduct.
“Having regard to all the above, the Stewards, whilst acknowledging a verbal altercation between de Boinville and Mr Queally took place, found that there is no evidence to support the allegation made by Mr Queally of racist comments, therefore the complaint is not upheld.
“The Stewards have however reminded de Boinville of his obligations and the expectations to ensure he behaves in a professional manner, and this includes when pressure is heightened at the start of high-profile fixtures.”
More to follow.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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