Declan Queally and Nico de Boinville have publicly resolved their dispute after Queally accused the British jockey of making an abusive remark of a racial nature during the Cheltenham Festival on Wednesday.
The Irish amateur rider Queally and De Boinville, stable jockey to Nicky Henderson, became involved in a heated altercation during the chaotic start of the Turners Novices' Hurdle, held on the second day of the festival. The race was marked by two false starts as the 21-horse field jostled for position.
De Boinville ultimately finished second on Act Of Innocence, behind winner King Rasko Grey, while Queally came in fifth riding I’ll Sort That.
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Following the incident, Queally told ITV, “The start was a bit of a mess. 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 retorted, “Maybe he should look in the mirror.”
Queally later revealed to the Mirror that De Boinville’s comments were “of a racial nature” and confirmed the matter had been reported to the British Horseracing Authority stewards for investigation. De Boinville initially declined to comment.
However, the two jockeys put their differences aside during a post-race interview with ITV following The Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle on Thursday. Standing side by side, Queally said, “All sorted, just a heat of the moment battle, all is forgiven and best of luck to Nico in the future.” De Boinville responded, “Very much so, I appreciate Declan, wish him all the best and big thanks to Davy Russell for sorting this out.” They ended the exchange with a handshake before preparing for the next race.
Former Champion Jockey AP McCoy praised their reconciliation, stating, “It was the right thing to do and fair play to them.”