Declan Queally and Nico de Boinville have resolved their disagreement following Queally’s claim that De Boinville made a racially abusive comment to him during the Cheltenham Festival. The incident occurred during a chaotic start to the Turners Novices’ Hurdle, the opening race on the second day of the festival.
The tension arose as the jockeys jostled for position among the large field of 21 horses, resulting in two false starts before the race officially commenced. De Boinville finished second on Act Of Innocence, while Queally finished fifth on I’ll Sort That.
After the race, Queally expressed his displeasure, stating that being verbally attacked by De Boinville was upsetting, especially as he was participating as an amateur in front of his family. De Boinville responded by suggesting Queally reflect on his actions.
Queally later reported the incident as being racially charged to the BHA stewards. De Boinville declined to comment on the matter when contacted.
However, the situation has since been resolved. In an interview with ITV following The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle, Queally and De Boinville reconciled, shaking hands and confirming that the issue had been resolved. Both riders wished each other well for the future.
Former Champion Jockey AP McCoy commended their actions, describing it as the right thing to do. The pair concluded their interaction with another handshake before preparing for the next race, The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle.
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