A heated exchange between jockeys Declan Queally and Nico de Boinville marred the second day of the Cheltenham Festival, with Queally accusing the English rider of abusing him in front of his children. The incident occurred after a chaotic start to the 13:20 Turners Novices’ Hurdle, which was delayed due to jostling at the tape.
Queally, an amateur rider, told ITV Sport: 'Being abused by an English rider, Nico de Boinville, not very nice. I am an amateur, coming over here riding in front of my kids. Horrific.' De Boinville responded: 'Maybe he should look in the mirror.'
The race had to be started from a standing start after a false start, with Jack Kennedy's mount Ballyfad reportedly kicked. The Cheltenham stewards held an inquiry and suspended Kennedy and Queally for one day, while Danny Gilligan and Darragh O’Keeffe received two-day bans for their second offence in 12 months.
ITV pundit Ruby Walsh commented: 'It's all great fun and games, but I think that's the same Nico who won Jonbon last year and put his head on the tape, so maybe he needs to look in the mirror too.' Luke Harvey added that De Boinville had previously blamed Irish jockeys and amateur riders for starting issues.
Paul Townend won the race on King Rasko Grey for Willie Mullins, with De Boinville finishing second. The incident has reignited debate about starting procedures at the festival.
