Nico de Boinville has been cleared of making racist comments towards fellow jockey Declan Queally at the Cheltenham Festival.
De Boinville, 36, had “categorically” denied the accusation he used such language.
Irish amateur jockey Queally had alleged he was racially abused before the Novices’ Hurdle, when it was held up because of a false start on day two of the meeting.
Queally, riding I’ll Sort That, and Englishman De Boinville, on Act Of Innocence, could be seen exchanging words at the start line.
Queally later told ITV Racing he had received abuse and then told the Racing Post some of the abuse was racial in nature – though De Boinville denied this was the case.
The two then appeared on ITV Racing together and shook hands at the entrance of the weight room, where the Irishman said the matter was “all sorted”.
However, a British Horseracing Authority investigation had been opened. It has now concluded and found “no evidence to support the allegation made by Mr Queally of racist comments”.
“It is understood, and accepted, that strong language was used by De Boinville at the start and directed towards Mr Queally,” said a BHA statement.
“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.”
While Queally’s complaint was not upheld, De Boinville was reminded 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”.
SINNERS star Delroy Lindo said he appreciates the “love and support” he has received after the N-word was shouted while he was on stage at last week’s Baftas.
Delroy Lindo said he appreciates the ‘love and support’ he has received after the N-word was shouted while he was on stage at last week’s BaftasCredit: ReutersMichael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo at the film awards in LondonCredit: Stuart Wilson / Getty Images for BAFTATourettes campaigner John Davidson at the 79th BaftasCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Lindo addressed the controversy while on stage at the NAACP Image Awards in California on Saturday.
The British-born actor said: “We appreciate – I appreciate – all of the support and love we have been shown in the aftermath of what happened last weekend, it means a lot to us.
“It is an honour to be here amongst our people this evening, amongst so many people who have shown us such incredible support.
“And it’s a classic case of something that could’ve been very negative becoming very positive.
Lindo praised the ceremony as “a room where being fully seen is not rare, but it is expected”.
Campaigner John said he was “deeply mortified” by what happened.
Jordan and Lindo were acknowledged by actress Regina Hall as she presented the first award of the night.
Hall, best known for appearing in the Scary Movie franchise, said: “I just want to take a moment to the two kings who are in this audience and just send you so much love for your class.”
The 57th NAACP Image Awards were held in Pasadena and hosted by actor and comedian Deon Cole.
Cole took aim at the Bafta incident, joking: “If there are any white men out here in the audience with Tourette’s, I advise you to tell them they can read the room tonight.”
Robert Aramayo posed up with his two Baftas – Best Actor and Rising Star after his performance in I Swear
TOURETTES campaigner John Davidson said he was mortified after sparking a race row by shouting out the N-word at the Baftas.
John later voluntarily left the ceremony amid shock at his swearing as Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan were on stage presenting an award.
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The incident happened at the 79th annual British Academy Film Awards, which took place at the Royal Festival Hall on Sunday nightCredit: BBC/UNPIXSJohn Davidson said he was ‘deeply mortified’Credit: BBC/UNPIXSThe campaigner made the decision to leave the awards half way through after several involuntary ticsCredit: Getty
In statement the organisation said: “Early in the ceremony a loud tic in the form of a profoundly offensive term was heard by many people.
“Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage at the time, and we apologise unreservedly to them, and to all those impacted.
“We would like to thank Michael and Delroy for their incredible dignity and professionalism.
“John chose to leave the auditorium and watch the rest of the ceremony from a screen and we would like to thank him for his consideration of others on what should have been a night of celebration for him.”
I Swear saw Robert Aramayo, 33, pick up Best Actor. It also won Best Casting.
Scottish-born John, 54, is a campaigner for Tourette sufferers and aged 16 was the subject of a BBC documentary, John’s Not Mad, about living with the condition, which leads some to shout swear words.
The Sun understands that Sunday night’s audience was not told a person with Tourette Syndrome was present.
Previously, at the Bafta TV awards, people have been warned in similar situations.
A source said: “Neither host Alan Cumming nor any of the Bafta team warned people — the apology and comments came after the outbursts.”
Cumming had said: “Tourette Syndrome is a disability. We apologise if you’re offended tonight.”
Hannah Beachler, the production designer on movie Sinners, said: “What made the situation worse was the throwaway apology of, ‘if you were offended’. Of course we were.”
It was reported BBC production staff did not hear the N-word — which meant it was left in the coverage.
However, a source added: “It was as loud and as clear as day.”
The corporation said: “Some may have heard strong and offensive language.
“This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette’s and, as explained during the ceremony, it was not intentional.
“We apologise that this was not edited out prior to broadcast.”
Campaigner John is the inspiration behind the movie I SwearCredit: Shutterstock EditorialRobert Aramayo posed up with his two BAFTAs – Best Actor and Rising Star after his performance in I SwearThe pair backstage during the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2026Credit: Getty
The reality of living with Tourette syndrome
TOURETTE syndrome is a condition that causes a person to make involuntary sounds and movements called tics.
It usually starts during childhood, but the tics and other symptoms often improve after several years, and sometimes go away completely.
There’s no cure for Tourettes, but treatment can help manage symptoms.
The most common physical tics include:
Blinking
Eye rolling
Grimacing
Shoulder shrugging
Jerking of the head or limbs
Jumping
Twirling
Touching objects and other people
Examples of vocal tics include:
Grunting
Throat clearing
Whistling
Coughing
Tongue clicking
Animal sounds
Saying random words and phrases
Repeating a sound, word or phrase
Swearing
Swearing is rare and only affects about 1 in 10 people with Tourettes.
Some people can control their tics for a short time in certain social situations, like in a classroom.
But this can be tiring, and someone may have a sudden release of tics when they return home.
Aidy Smith, who was diagnosed with Tourettes aged nine, said these are the most common misconceptions about the condition:
It is a ‘swearing disease’ characterised by repeated bad language
People with Tourette’s can’t succeed in the workplace
It’s impossible to control your tics
‘Tourettes’ is a ‘dirty’ word
It’s OK to make jokes about the condition because it isn’t serious
Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni has received a provisional one-match suspension after Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr reported alleged racist abuse during last week’s Champions League meeting.
Vinicius told referee Francois Letexier that he had been racially abused by the Argentina winger during the first leg of their Champions League knockout phase play-off tie in Lisbon last Tuesday.
Uefa announced the provisional ban on Monday following the appointment of an ethics and disciplinary inspector to investigate the incident.
The European governing body said further punishment could be handed out once the investigation is completed.
Prestianni has denied racially abusing the Brazilian.
Real Madrid and Benfica meet for the second leg in the Spanish capital on Wednesday (20:00 GMT).
Last week’s first leg was halted for 10 minutes after Vinicius alerted on-field official Letexier to the second-half incident, before he and his team-mates temporarily left the pitch.
It came after Vinicus, 25, scored a stunning goal and then received a yellow card for his celebrations in front of the Benfica supporters.
Benfica manager Jose Mourinho, who is suspended for the second leg following his sending off later in the match, was criticised for his post-match comments after saying he believed that Vinicius had celebrated disrespectfully.
Because of his ban, Mourinho will not speak to the media before the match – but Benfica have the option of making the assistant coach available instead.
Nico de Boinville: English jockey cleared of making racist comments to Declan Queally
Nico de Boinville has been cleared of making racist comments towards fellow jockey Declan Queally at the Cheltenham Festival.
De Boinville, 36, had “categorically” denied the accusation he used such language.
Irish amateur jockey Queally had alleged he was racially abused before the Novices’ Hurdle, when it was held up because of a false start on day two of the meeting.
Queally, riding I’ll Sort That, and Englishman De Boinville, on Act Of Innocence, could be seen exchanging words at the start line.
Queally later told ITV Racing he had received abuse and then told the Racing Post some of the abuse was racial in nature – though De Boinville denied this was the case.
The two then appeared on ITV Racing together and shook hands at the entrance of the weight room, where the Irishman said the matter was “all sorted”.
However, a British Horseracing Authority investigation had been opened. It has now concluded and found “no evidence to support the allegation made by Mr Queally of racist comments”.
“It is understood, and accepted, that strong language was used by De Boinville at the start and directed towards Mr Queally,” said a BHA statement.
“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.”
While Queally’s complaint was not upheld, De Boinville was reminded 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”.
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Delroy Lindo breaks silence after racist slur directed at him by Tourettes activist at Baftas
SINNERS star Delroy Lindo said he appreciates the “love and support” he has received after the N-word was shouted while he was on stage at last week’s Baftas.
The 73-year-old actor and co-star Michael B Jordan were presenting an award when Tourette’s sufferer John Davidson involuntarily blurted out the racial slur.
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Lindo addressed the controversy while on stage at the NAACP Image Awards in California on Saturday.
The British-born actor said: “We appreciate – I appreciate – all of the support and love we have been shown in the aftermath of what happened last weekend, it means a lot to us.
“It is an honour to be here amongst our people this evening, amongst so many people who have shown us such incredible support.
“And it’s a classic case of something that could’ve been very negative becoming very positive.
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“Thank you so much for the support.”
Lindo praised the ceremony as “a room where being fully seen is not rare, but it is expected”.
Campaigner John said he was “deeply mortified” by what happened.
Jordan and Lindo were acknowledged by actress Regina Hall as she presented the first award of the night.
Hall, best known for appearing in the Scary Movie franchise, said: “I just want to take a moment to the two kings who are in this audience and just send you so much love for your class.”
The 57th NAACP Image Awards were held in Pasadena and hosted by actor and comedian Deon Cole.
Cole took aim at the Bafta incident, joking: “If there are any white men out here in the audience with Tourette’s, I advise you to tell them they can read the room tonight.”
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Tourettes campaigner breaks silence after racist Bafta slur as he’s left ‘deeply mortified’ following audience shout
TOURETTES campaigner John Davidson said he was mortified after sparking a race row by shouting out the N-word at the Baftas.
John later voluntarily left the ceremony amid shock at his swearing as Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan were on stage presenting an award.
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Thank you!
But the slur by John — whose life inspired the double gong-winning film I Swear — wasn’t cut from the BBC’s two-hour ceremony coverage at London’s Royal Festival Hall.
Yesterday, bosses apologised and removed the episode from iPlayer.
Last night John insisted he was “mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning”.
And Bafta confirmed he left the room before the awards ended.
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In statement the organisation said: “Early in the ceremony a loud tic in the form of a profoundly offensive term was heard by many people.
“Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage at the time, and we apologise unreservedly to them, and to all those impacted.
“We would like to thank Michael and Delroy for their incredible dignity and professionalism.
“John chose to leave the auditorium and watch the rest of the ceremony from a screen and we would like to thank him for his consideration of others on what should have been a night of celebration for him.”
I Swear saw Robert Aramayo, 33, pick up Best Actor. It also won Best Casting.
Scottish-born John, 54, is a campaigner for Tourette sufferers and aged 16 was the subject of a BBC documentary, John’s Not Mad, about living with the condition, which leads some to shout swear words.
The Sun understands that Sunday night’s audience was not told a person with Tourette Syndrome was present.
Previously, at the Bafta TV awards, people have been warned in similar situations.
A source said: “Neither host Alan Cumming nor any of the Bafta team warned people — the apology and comments came after the outbursts.”
Cumming had said: “Tourette Syndrome is a disability. We apologise if you’re offended tonight.”
Hannah Beachler, the production designer on movie Sinners, said: “What made the situation worse was the throwaway apology of, ‘if you were offended’. Of course we were.”
It was reported BBC production staff did not hear the N-word — which meant it was left in the coverage.
However, a source added: “It was as loud and as clear as day.”
The corporation said: “Some may have heard strong and offensive language.
“This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette’s and, as explained during the ceremony, it was not intentional.
“We apologise that this was not edited out prior to broadcast.”
The reality of living with Tourette syndrome
TOURETTE syndrome is a condition that causes a person to make involuntary sounds and movements called tics.
It usually starts during childhood, but the tics and other symptoms often improve after several years, and sometimes go away completely.
There’s no cure for Tourettes, but treatment can help manage symptoms.
The most common physical tics include:
Examples of vocal tics include:
Swearing is rare and only affects about 1 in 10 people with Tourettes.
Some people can control their tics for a short time in certain social situations, like in a classroom.
But this can be tiring, and someone may have a sudden release of tics when they return home.
Aidy Smith, who was diagnosed with Tourettes aged nine, said these are the most common misconceptions about the condition:
Source: NHS and Aidy Smith
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Vinicius Jr: Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni handed provisional one-match suspension after alleged racist abuse
Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni has received a provisional one-match suspension after Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr reported alleged racist abuse during last week’s Champions League meeting.
Vinicius told referee Francois Letexier that he had been racially abused by the Argentina winger during the first leg of their Champions League knockout phase play-off tie in Lisbon last Tuesday.
Uefa announced the provisional ban on Monday following the appointment of an ethics and disciplinary inspector to investigate the incident.
The European governing body said further punishment could be handed out once the investigation is completed.
Prestianni has denied racially abusing the Brazilian.
Real Madrid and Benfica meet for the second leg in the Spanish capital on Wednesday (20:00 GMT).
Last week’s first leg was halted for 10 minutes after Vinicius alerted on-field official Letexier to the second-half incident, before he and his team-mates temporarily left the pitch.
It came after Vinicus, 25, scored a stunning goal and then received a yellow card for his celebrations in front of the Benfica supporters.
Benfica manager Jose Mourinho, who is suspended for the second leg following his sending off later in the match, was criticised for his post-match comments after saying he believed that Vinicius had celebrated disrespectfully.
Because of his ban, Mourinho will not speak to the media before the match – but Benfica have the option of making the assistant coach available instead.
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