A British Horseracing Authority investigation has cleared Nico De Boinville of making racist remarks at Cheltenham. He and Declan Queally shook hands the day after the incident, while runners have been entered for the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse.
Here are today’s racing news headlines in our daily round-up.
De Boinville cleared of making racist comments
Nico De Boinville has been cleared of making racist comments at the Cheltenham Festival. De Boinville had been accused by Irish amateur Declan Queally of making racist remarks at the start of the Turners Novices’ Hurdle. 24 hours later, the pair shook hands live on ITV Racing, though an investigation was already underway. The BHA’s investigation concluded on Wednesday, clearing De Boinville and suggesting that there was “no evidence to support the allegation.” (BBC)
Irish Grand National weights revealed with Oscars Brother favourite
The weights have been revealed for the Irish Grand National, with two British-trained Cheltenham Festival winners in the mix. They are National Hunt Chase heroine Holloway Queen, trained by Nicky Henderson, and Johnnywho, winner of the Ultima Handicap Chase for the O’Neill yard. Both 2024 Grand National hero I Am Maximus and current Aintree favourite Grangeclare West also feature. Should Willie Mullins divert one of them to Fairyhouse, they could be in the mix. Former King George hero Hewick is also among the entries. (Racing TV)
However, favourite for the contest is the novice Oscars Brother. The eight-year-old ran a game race in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham, finishing fourth. He is trained by Connor King, who only saddles two horses at his stables. He has been made the 10/1 ante-post favourite for the 3m5f Easter Monday showpiece. Oscars Brother has three wins and two runner-up finishes from six starts over fences. (Irish Field)
Dan Skelton preparing large squad for Aintree
Trainer Dan Skelton is to send a large team to Aintree in an attempt to win his first trainers’ title. Skelton has built up an enormous lead over his nearest rivals as he bids to go one better than last season. Willie Mullins overhauled him in the closing months last season, but would require an extraordinary turnaround to do so again this term. Panic Attack will captain Skelton’s Aintree team in the Grand National itself. All of Grey Dawning, L’Eau du Sud, Protektorat and The New Lion are all being targeted at the meeting too. (Racing Post)
William Haggas blasts planned affordability checks
Flat trainer William Haggas has blasted affordability checks, urging the government to further discussions with the Gambling Commission. Similar checks are already ongoing with bookmakers, though the regulator is proposing new “frictionless” checks from May onwards. However, warnings have been issued that this is likely to significantly drive up black market business. Haggas has weighed in, saying “Anything that interferes with that (betting) will only damage horseracing…and deprive the government of much-needed tax revenue.” (The Sun)