An Irish amateur rider has accused top British jockey Nico de Boinville of directing a racially abusive comment towards him during an incident at Cheltenham on Wednesday. Declan Queally and de Boinville, the stable jockey for Nicky Henderson, engaged in a heated confrontation amidst the chaotic start of the Turners Novices’ Hurdle, the first race on the second day of the Cheltenham Festival.
Tensions rose as the riders vied for position within the 21-runner field, resulting in the starter declaring two false starts before the race commenced. De Boinville ultimately secured second place on Act Of Innocence, with Queally finishing fifth on I’ll Sort That, trained by his family.
Following the race, Queally expressed his discontent to ITV Racing, stating, “The start was chaotic. Being subjected to abuse by English rider Nico de Boinville is unacceptable. I’m an amateur, riding in front of my children. It was a horrific experience.” De Boinville retorted, “Maybe he should reflect on his own actions.”
During a subsequent stewards’ inquiry, it was reported that Queally, along with other riders, had caused a false start by not approaching the tape properly. As a result, Kennedy and Queally received one-day suspensions for misconduct at the start, while Gilligan and O’Keeffe faced two-day suspensions for their second offense within a year.
Queally lodged a complaint alleging that de Boinville had verbally abused him at the start. Speaking to the Racing Post, Queally claimed that de Boinville had used offensive language towards him in front of the ITV camera.
Queally later informed Mirror Racing that the comment made by de Boinville was of a racial nature. He reported the incident, which is currently under investigation by the BHA stewards. De Boinville declined to provide a response when contacted.
The stewards’ notice stated, “Having heard initial testimonies from Queally and Nico de Boinville, the stewards have adjourned the matter for further evidence.”
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