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, who rides for Nicky Henderson, were involved in a heated exchange at the 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 among the 21-horse field, resulting in two false starts before the race finally commenced. De Boinville finished second on Act Of Innocence, while Queally finished fifth on I’ll Sort That, trained by his family.
After the race, Queally expressed his displeasure to ITV Racing, stating, “Being abused by an English rider Nico de Boinville is not very nice. I’m an amateur. I’ve come over here riding in front of my kids and that. Horrific.” De Boinville responded by suggesting Queally should reflect on his own actions.
Following a stewards’ inquiry, it was reported that several riders, including Queally, had contributed to the false starts by not approaching the tape appropriately. Queally and another rider were suspended for misconduct at the start.
Queally later alleged that de Boinville had used racial slurs towards him, a claim he reported to the BHA stewards for investigation. De Boinville declined to comment on the matter when contacted.
The stewards noted that they are gathering additional evidence before reaching a conclusion on the incident.