Declan Queally and Nico de Boinville put their differences aside with an awkward handshake after the Irish amateur jockey accused De Boinville of making an abusive comment “of a racial nature” on Wednesday
Declan Queally and Nico de Boinville have “resolved” their row after the former alleged the British jockey made an offensive remark towards him “of a racial nature” at Cheltenham Festival on Wednesday.
Irish amateur rider Queally and De Boinville, who rides for Nicky Henderson’s stable, clashed during a chaotic beginning to the Turners Novices’ Hurdle, the opening race on day two at Cheltenham.
Friction boiled over as the jockeys jostled for prime positioning amongst the 21-strong field, resulting in two false starts before the field was finally released. De Boinville subsequently finished runner-up aboard Act Of Innocence, trailing King Rasko Grey, whilst Queally came home fifth on I’ll Sort That.
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Following their starting-gate confrontation, the verbal sparring persisted after the race, with Queally telling ITV: “The start was a bit of a mess. 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.”
De Boinville responded: “Maybe he should look in the mirror.”
Queally subsequently claimed that De Boinville’s remarks were “of a racial nature” and confirmed he had “reported it and it is being dealt with by the BHA stewards.” However, it seems the disagreement has now been settled.
In a post-race interview with ITV following The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle on Thursday, Queally and De Boinville awkwardly shook hands and confirmed that the issue had been resolved.
Standing side by side, Queally stated: “All sorted, just a heat of the moment battle, all is forgiven and best of luck to Nico in the future.”
De Boinville then responded: “Very much so, I appreciate Declan, wish him all the best and big thanks to Davy Russell for sorting this out.”
The pair concluded with another handshake before parting ways to prepare for the third race, The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle, at 2:40pm.
Former Champion Jockey AP McCoy commented on the situation, saying: “It was the right thing to do and fair play to them.”