Tensions ran high at the Cheltenham Festival when Irish amateur jockey Declan Queally accused fellow rider Nico de Boinville of racial abuse prior to the Turners Novices' Hurdle. The incident has sparked a formal complaint and an ongoing stewards’ investigation.
The confrontation occurred as the field of 21 horses prepared for the race, marked by two false starts. Footage showed De Boinville visibly agitated, shouting at Queally and instructing him to “get back” while maneuvering to claim a position on the rail. De Boinville ultimately finished second riding Act Of Innocence, while Queally placed fifth on I’ll Sort That.
Speaking to ITV Racing after the race, Queally described the situation: “The start was a bit of a mess. Being abused by an English rider like Nico de Boinville was not very nice. I’m an amateur, here riding in front of my kids, and it was horrific.”
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De Boinville’s brief response was, “Maybe he should look in the mirror,” declining further comment when approached by media.
Queally later shared more about the abuse, emphasizing its racial nature. He revealed to the Racing Post that De Boinville used offensive racial slurs towards him as they competed for position along the inside track, despite Queally remaining quiet in response. Speaking with Mirror Racing, Queally confirmed his report to the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) stewards who are now investigating the matter.
The stewards issued a statement acknowledging the initial evidence heard from both jockeys and announcing the inquiry is ongoing to collect further information.
Queally believes he was targeted due to his status as an Irish amateur amidst the competitive environment. “Everyone was at fault and I was just focusing on my race,” he said. “It’s unfair to single out an Irish amateur like that. Other professional jockeys respect that I belong on the track as much as anyone.”
In addition to the abuse allegations, Queally, along with jockeys Jack Kennedy, Danny Gilligan, and Darragh O’Keeffe, received a one-day ban following a stewards’ inquiry that found they failed to approach the starting tape correctly, causing a false start.
As the investigation continues, the Cheltenham racing community awaits resolution on the serious allegations brought forward during one of the sport’s premier events.