Pierre-Charles Boudot, a three-time champion jockey, returned to racing in Qatar after a reinstatement following a rape accusation in 2021. He won a race on Kerindia after receiving an emergency license. Although not suspended in France, he lacks a license there due to past allegations. Regular jockeys refused to race, leading to Boudot’s unexpected participation.
Pierre-Charles Boudot, a renowned French jockey who faced a halt in his career following a rape accusation in 2021, made his return to competitive racing in Qatar. The Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club issued him a one-day emergency license, enabling him to race in Doha, where he successfully guided Kerindia to victory. Boudot, now 32 years old, previously won the prestigious Group 1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in 2019 with the horse Waldgeist.
The accusation against Boudot, made by a fellow rider concerning an incident at a party in February 2021, was categorically denied by him through legal representation. Following the allegation, Boudot faced a ban that effectively sidelined him from the sport for over a year. Currently, although he is not under suspension in France, he lacks a riding license in his home country.
At present, Boudot is employed as an exercise rider by Al Shaqab in the Middle East. His reinstatement in racing on Friday was prompted by regular jockeys refusing to ride due to concerns regarding the condition of the turf track at Doha, resulting in a two-hour delay before the races could proceed under the lights.
In conclusion, Pierre-Charles Boudot has returned to racing four years after serious allegations affected his career. His recent victory in Qatar comes amid lingering concerns from French authorities, as he holds no current license there. The decision by local jockeys to abstain from racing underscores ongoing issues within the sport regarding rider welfare and track conditions.
Original Source: www.horseracingnation.com
