The Cheltenham Festival has seen several jockey suspensions this year, sparked by incidents both on and off the track. The most high-profile controversy emerged before the second day’s Turners' Novices' Hurdle, involving allegations of abuse from Irish amateur jockey Declan Queally against fellow rider Nico de Boinville.
The Festival has maintained its popularity, but tensions boiled over during a series of false starts leading up to Wednesday’s race. Queally, riding I’ll Sort That, was caught in a tense encounter with De Boinville and several other jockeys competing aggressively for position at the start.
Alongside Queally, Jack Kennedy (Ballyfad), Danny Gilligan (Skylight Hustle), and Darragh O’Keeffe (Walks in June) were all suspended for misconduct. They were found to have not approached the starting tape at a walk as required, which caused a false start and forced the race to begin with a standing start.
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These suspensions followed two penalties issued on the opening day: Danny Gilligan received a one-day ban for misconduct at the start on Will Do, and Conor Stone-Walsh was suspended for two days for careless riding on Iceberg Theory.
Queally’s accusation of abuse from De Boinville prompted a formal inquiry. Both jockeys presented their accounts and evidence to the stewards, who have since adjourned the investigation to review additional materials.
Speaking to ITV Racing, Queally expressed his distress, saying, “Being abused by an English rider, Nico de Boinville, not very nice. I am an amateur, coming over here and riding in front of my kids. Horrific.”
De Boinville, who finished second in the race, denied the allegations outright when questioned. “Maybe he should look in the mirror,” he responded on the spot, later clarifying to BBC 5 Live, “It’s an ongoing investigation. The stewards are gathering all the evidence they can from video footage. From my point of view, I deny all the allegations and can categorically say there were no racial slurs or anything like that. Let it play out.”
Despite the tension, the two jockeys publicly shook hands during Thursday’s broadcast, describing the incident as “a heat of the moment battle.” Queally closed the matter with, “All is forgiven.”
Summary of Jockey Suspensions at the Cheltenham Festival:
First Day:
- Danny Gilligan (Will Do) — One day for misconduct at the start.
- Conor Stone-Walsh (Iceberg Theory) — Two days for careless riding.
Second Day:
- Jack Kennedy (Ballyfad) — One day for misconduct at the start.
- Declan Queally (I’ll Sort That) — One day for misconduct at the start.
- Danny Gilligan (Skylight Hustle) — Two days for misconduct at the start (second offence in 12 months).
- Darragh O’Keeffe (Walks in June) — Two days for misconduct at the start (second offence in 12 months).
These suspensions highlight the strict enforcement of rules and the heightened emotions at this year’s Cheltenham Festival amid fierce competition.