The Cheltenham stewards say they have found no evidence to uphold jockey Declan Queally's allegation that fellow rider Nico de Boinville made a racial slur against him during a heated moment before the start of a race at Cheltenham last week.

Queally lodged a complaint with the Cheltenham stewards following the running of the Turners Novices' Hurdle last Wednesday. The Waterford amateur rider first told ITV Racing that he had been "abused" by de Boinville at the start and he subsequently told the acting stewards that de Boinville made "racist comments" towards him. De Boinville denied the allegation and the stewards adjourned the matter until after the Festival had ended, so that further evidence could be obtained.

Although the two riders shook hands for the television cameras the following day, the stewards continued their investigation and on Wednesday morning, almost exactly a week after the incident, the British Horseracing Authority published the stewards' findings.

In a statement the stewards said that they "did establish that a verbal exchange with strong language had taken place" but, having heard evidence from two other unnamed jockeys (one Irish and one British) plus an independent contractor who was working at the start, no evidence was found to support Queally's allegation of racist comments.

The stewards did remind de Boinville of "his obligations and the expectations to ensure he behaves in a professional manner."

The full text of the stewards' report is reprinted below.

An enquiry was held adjourned from race 1 at Cheltenham on Wednesday 11 March 2026 following a report from Mr D Queally, the rider of I’LL SORT THAT (IRE), that at the start Nico de Boinville, the rider of ACT OF INNOCENCE (IRE), had made racist comments towards him. The Stewards considered the initial evidence given by both riders on the day.

This evidence, whilst conflicting in terms of the allegation of a racist comment, did establish that a verbal exchange with strong language had taken place as acknowledged by both de Boinville and Mr Queally. As a result of this the Stewards adjourned the enquiry to hear evidence from parties who were in close proximity to the two riders at the start and gather any further evidence from broadcast media and other sources.

Evidence was heard from the Starter, two jockeys who were near to the two riders (one British-licensed and one Irish-licensed), as well as an independent contractor who was working close to the Starter’s rostrum for all races on the day. The Stewards also obtained all the available video footage together with audio of the start in question. This was reviewed in the presence of both riders.

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.

Whilst it is recognised that this is a high-pressure professional sporting event these fixtures are broadcast on national television, and language and behaviour needs to reflect this setting.