Pierre-Charles Boudot, a notable French jockey, resumed racing in Qatar after being granted a temporary license. This marks his first rides since May 2021 due to ongoing legal matters involving rape allegations. Boudot participated in multiple races, finishing fourth in one and winning another. His return raises questions about his status in French racing, where he is currently unlicensed.
Pierre-Charles Boudot, the Arc-winning jockey, marks his return to racing after being absent since May 2021 due to legal issues concerning allegations of rape. He resumed riding in Qatar after the local authorities granted him a temporary license, participating in several races on Friday.
In his comeback, Boudot rode in the Purebred Arabian Cup, finishing fourth despite carrying an overweight of 7kg. He secured victory later in the day aboard Kerindia in the sixth race, highlighting his competitive edge despite the long absence from the sport.
Boudot, who is a three-time champion jockey in France, last rode in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on Waldgeist in 2019. His legal troubles began after he was indicted for rape following an allegation from a work rider post a party in February 2021.
While no official statements were provided by the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC), reports indicate that Boudot is neither banned from racing in France nor currently licensed there. He had been working at Al Shaqab for three months prior, riding trackwork for Arabian horses ahead of key races.
Boudot was granted a one-night license, filling in for jockeys who declined to ride due to concerns about the turf track. This decision followed a two-hour delay, after which races resumed under lights, demonstrating the dynamic nature of racing conditions.
His license in France has faced multiple suspensions under the Code des Courses for integrity issues, initially for six months starting in May 2021. These suspensions extended over several renewals, during which Boudot chose not to pursue his racing license actively as he focused on his legal defense.
The situation regarding Boudot’s license has remained static since November 2022 when it was revoked due to action by the Ministry of the Interior, a direct response to police requests concerning the ongoing investigation into his charges.
Pierre-Charles Boudot’s return to racing in Qatar marks a significant step after a two-year hiatus due to severe legal allegations. His performances in Qatar, including a fourth-place finish and a victory, showcase his readiness to compete actively. Despite his temporary license in Qatar, Boudot’s future in French racing remains uncertain due to ongoing legal challenges and previous suspensions related to integrity issues in the sport.
Original Source: www.racingpost.com
