Four Cheltenham Jockeys Suspended Following Nico de Boinville Abuse Allegations

Tensions flared at this year’s Cheltenham Festival when Irish jockey Declan Queally accused fellow rider Nico de Boinville of verbal abuse during the second day of racing at Prestbury Park. Following a disorderly race start, Queally, along with Jack Kennedy, Danny Gilligan, and Darragh O’Keeffe, has been suspended for breaches related to the race’s false start procedures.

The chaos unfolded in the opening race on day two when multiple false starts forced jockeys to jockey for position ahead of a standing start at the tape. Queally, riding I’ll Sort That, fell from his horse before the race officially began and required medical attention.

The stewards’ inquiry found that Queally, Kennedy (riding Ballyfad), Gilligan (Skylight Hustle), and O’Keeffe (Walks in June) failed to approach the starting tape correctly—failing to walk or ‘jig-jag’ as required—causing false starts and disrupting the race’s flow. Queally and Kennedy received one-day suspensions, while Gilligan and O’Keeffe were handed two-day bans due to prior offences within the last year.

An ongoing investigation into Queally’s complaint of verbal abuse from De Boinville remains adjourned as officials seek further evidence. Queally expressed his disappointment to ITV Racing, 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.”

In response, De Boinville dismissed the accusations, stating, “Maybe he should look in the mirror.”

Renowned jockey Ruby Walsh weighed in on the controversy, suggesting improvements to avoid future issues: “I do think that you need a rolling start. If the horses walked out and lined up behind the tape, then moved forward, you’d have none of this drama. That is the mechanism that is required.”

The Cheltenham Festival continues to grapple with the delicate balance of competitive racing and sportsmanship under intense scrutiny.