Irish Jockey Alleges Racial Abuse by British Rival at Cheltenham Festival

A contentious start to the Turners Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival on Wednesday has sparked a racing controversy after Irish amateur jockey Declan Queally accused top British rider Nico de Boinville of making comments “of a racial nature” during a heated exchange captured on live television.

The confrontation unfolded as 21 runners jostled for position ahead of the opening race on day two of the prestigious festival. The chaotic scenes resulted in two false starts declared by the starter before the race could proceed, with tempers visibly flaring between Queally and de Boinville, the stable jockey to renowned trainer Nicky Henderson.

Queally, riding the family-trained I’ll Sort That, alleged he was subjected to repeated verbal abuse from de Boinville aboard Act Of Innocence. Television footage showed de Boinville appearing agitated, shouting at Queally to “get back” while maneuvering to claim the rail position.

“It was of a racial nature. I’ve reported it and it is being dealt with by the BHA stewards.”

— Declan Queally, speaking to Mirror Racing

Speaking to ITV Racing immediately after the race, Queally expressed his dismay at the encounter.

“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.”

— Declan Queally, ITV Racing interview

De Boinville, when asked for his response to Queally’s comments, offered a curt reply: “Maybe he should look in the mirror.” When later contacted for further comment regarding the racial abuse allegation, de Boinville declined to comment.

The British Horseracing Authority stewards launched an inquiry following Queally’s formal complaint. A stewards’ notice stated: “The stewards, having heard the initial evidence from Queally and Nico de Boinville, have adjourned the matter to obtain further evidence.”

Several high-profile racing figures came to Queally’s defense. Champion jockey AP McCoy, speaking on ITV, asserted that “one person has as much right to be there as everyone else.” Ruby Walsh also weighed in, suggesting de Boinville “needs to look in the mirror too,” referencing a previous incident involving the jockey at last year’s festival.

Willie Mullins-trained King Rasko Grey won the race, with de Boinville’s Act Of Innocence finishing second and Queally securing fifth place on I’ll Sort That.

In addition to the abuse investigation, stewards suspended four jockeys for misconduct at the start. Queally and Jack Kennedy received one-day bans, while Danny Gilligan and Darragh O’Keeffe were suspended for two days as second-time offenders within 12 months. The starter reported that the riders “had not approached the tape at a walk or a jig-jog thereby causing a false start.”

The investigation into the racial abuse allegation remains ongoing as racing authorities gather additional evidence from the incident.