Declan Queally and Nico de Boinville have resolved their disagreement following Queally’s accusation that De Boinville made a racially offensive comment towards him at the Cheltenham Festival. The incident occurred during the Turners Novices’ Hurdle, the first race on the second day of the festival, where tensions rose among the riders due to a chaotic start with two false starts before the race commenced.
Queally, an Irish amateur rider, and De Boinville, a stable jockey for Nicky Henderson, engaged in a heated exchange during the race. Queally expressed his displeasure post-race, stating that being verbally abused by De Boinville was unpleasant, especially as he was riding in front of his children. De Boinville responded by suggesting that Queally reflect on his own actions.
Queally later reported the incident to the BHA stewards, claiming that De Boinville’s comments were racially motivated. De Boinville declined to comment when contacted for a response.
However, the situation seems to have been resolved, as both riders shook hands and expressed forgiveness during an interview with ITV after the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle the following day. They wished each other well, with Queally acknowledging that it was a heat-of-the-moment dispute. Former Champion Jockey AP McCoy commended their resolution.
The incident serves as a reminder of the tensions that can arise in the competitive world of horse racing, but the sportsmanship displayed by Queally and De Boinville in resolving their dispute has been praised by onlookers.