The Cheltenham Festival has been embroiled in controversy after Irish amateur jockey Declan Queally accused leading British rider Nico de Boinville of racial abuse before the Turners Novices’ Hurdle on Wednesday. Queally claimed de Boinville subjected him to a series of verbal attacks, including racial slurs, as the horses jostled for position at the start.
Queally told the Racing Post that de Boinville called him a 'f***ing prick' multiple times in front of ITV cameras and singled him out because he is an Irish amateur. 'I got repeated racial abuse from Nico de Boinville,' Queally said. 'None of the other lads would do it because they know you can’t just single out an Irish amateur rider like that.'
The stewards opened an inquiry after Queally's complaint, adjourning the matter to gather further evidence. De Boinville, who finished second on Act Of Innocence, declined to comment when approached, but earlier told ITV Racing: 'Maybe he should look in the mirror.'
The incident was not the only starting procedure issue on the day. Several riders, including Mark Walsh and Jack Kennedy, expressed dissatisfaction with the start of the BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle, citing overcrowding and premature release. The British Horseracing Authority said it would not comment pending the inquiry's outcome.
Meanwhile, the Champion Chase saw favourite Majborough lose confidence after a slip, allowing stable companion Il Etait Temps to win under Jack Townend, completing a double for Willie Mullins after Lossiemouth’s Champion Hurdle victory.
