The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is conducting an inquiry into a complaint lodged by Irish amateur jockey Declan Queally against professional rider Nico de Boinville after an incident at the start of the Turners Novices' Hurdle during the Cheltenham Festival.
The race, delayed by four minutes as officials struggled to organize the 21 runners, saw tension flare between Queally and De Boinville as they vied for position near the starting tapes. Following the event, Queally, whose horse I’ll Sort That finished fifth, expressed his frustration to ITV Racing’s Matt Chapman: “The start was a bit of a mess and I got trapped back further than I wanted. I was being abused by an English rider, Nico de Boinville, and it’s not very nice. I’m an amateur, here riding in front of my kids, and that’s horrific.”
De Boinville, who finished runner-up riding Act Of Innocence, retorted, “Maybe he should look in the mirror.”
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Queally’s official complaint has prompted the BHA to begin a thorough evidence-gathering process that includes interviewing jockeys and reviewing broadcast footage. A BHA spokesperson confirmed, “This process will take some time and will therefore not be concluded during the Festival.”
In addition to the complaint, four jockeys—Declan Queally, Jack Kennedy, Danny Gilligan, and Darragh O’Keeffe—received bans for failing to approach the starting tape at the required walk or jog, contributing to a false start that necessitated a standing restart.
Looking ahead, the BHA plans a comprehensive review of race starts at the Cheltenham Festival once the meeting concludes. Brant Dunshea, Chief Executive of the BHA, acknowledged: “The first two days of racing have been tremendous, but we share the frustrations regarding the starts from jockeys, trainers, and punters alike. Our starters are experienced professionals, and our data indicates that outside of the Festival, starts proceed smoothly. However, Cheltenham presents unique challenges that make starting races particularly difficult despite recent adjustments.”
Dunshea added that consultations with riders will continue throughout the Festival to explore improvements for the remaining two days of racing and beyond.