Nico de Boinville: The English rider has been cleared of making racist comments to Declan Coeli

Nico de Boinville has been acquitted of making racist comments towards fellow jockey Declan Coeli at the Cheltenham Festival.

De Boinville, 36, “categorically” denied accusations that he used such language, after Irish amateur jockey Quili said he was targeted ahead of the Novices’ Hurdle when it was postponed due to a false start on the second day of the meeting.

Queally, riding I’ll sort that out, Englishman De Boinville, in Act Of Innocence, can be seen exchanging words at the start line.

The two later appeared on ITV Racing together and shook hands at the entrance to the weight room, with the Irishman saying the matter was “fully resolved”.

However, the British Horseracing Authority opened an investigation and found “no evidence to support Mr Coeli’s allegations of racist comments”.

A statement from the BHA said: “It is understood and accepted that the strong language initially used by de Boinville was directed towards Mr Coeli.”

He added: “It was also reported that a number of riders were also verbally expressing their frustration initially, outside of the investigation into the incident.

“No audio evidence or verbal evidence was provided by any party during the investigation to confirm that any language used was of a racist nature.”

While Queli’s complaint was not upheld, de Boinville was reminded of his “obligations and expectations to ensure he conducts himself in a professional manner, and this includes when pressures increase at the start of high-level matches.”