An investigation has been launched by the British Horseracing Authority following allegations of racism stemming from a confrontation between two jockeys at the Cheltenham Festival yesterday.
The incident, which was broadcast live on ITV, involved Nico de Boinville and Declan Queally clashing before a race on the second day of the prestigious meeting.
De Boinville, who had opened the Festival with victory aboard Old Park Star on Tuesday, was riding Act Of Innocence for trainer Nicky Henderson when the altercation occurred.
Queally was mounted on I’ll Sort That when television cameras captured de Boinville shouting at him.
The BHA has now confirmed it is looking into the matter following claims made in the aftermath of the incident.
Television footage showed de Boinville appearing to lose his temper.
He appeared to order Queally to move back while manoeuvring his horse to claim the rail position that I’ll Sort That had been occupying.
The race was delayed by a false start, one of multiple such incidents during what proved to be a frustrating afternoon at Prestbury Park.
Irish amateur jockey Declan Queally accused English rider Nico de Boinville of verbally attacking him | ITVFollowing the conclusion of the race, Queally spoke to ITV as he made his way back to the weighing room, describing de Boinville’s conduct as “horrible”.
The Irish jockey subsequently elaborated on the incident when speaking to The Racing Post, where he provided further details about what had transpired at the start.
He said: “It was competitive down there and I got repeated racial abuse from Nico de Boinville when I was coming in around the corner and then he called me a “f***ing p***k” a couple of times in front of the ITV camera.
“I just didn’t talk back to him, thankfully I didn’t open my mouth.”
Paul Townend claimed victory with King Rasko Grey, whilst De Boinville secured second place aboard Act of Innocence | GETTYBoth jockeys spoke to Shaun Parker, the BHA’s leading steward.
In a report into the incident, the authority said: “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.”
Willie Mullins and Paul Townend claimed victory with King Rasko Grey, whilst De Boinville secured second place aboard Act of Innocence despite the pre-race drama.
“Being abused by an English rider, Nico de Boinville is not very nice” 👀
“I’m an amateur, I’m coming over riding in front of my kids. HORRIFIC” 😯
Declan Queally is NOT HAPPY with Nico de Boinville 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/ZooWaL1PDI
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 11, 2026
Queally and I’ll Sort That crossed the line in fifth position.
Queally added: “Being abused by an English rider, Nico de Boinville, wasn’t very nice.
“I’m an amateur, I’m coming over here, riding in front of my kids. Horrific.”
When questioned about the altercation, De Boinville said: “Maybe he should look in the mirror,” before departing for the weighing room.
