Declan Queally and Nico de Boinville were involved in a spat at Cheltenham Festival on Wednesday – but that situation has been resolved following a new TV interview
Declan Queally and Nico de Boinville
Declan Queally and Nico de Boinville have “sorted” their dispute after the former accused the British jockey of making an abusive comment towards him “of a racial nature” at Cheltenham Festival on Wednesday.
Irish amateur rider Queally and De Boinville, a stably jockey to Nicky Henderson, became involved in a heated exchange during a chaotic start to the Turners Novices’ Hurdle, the first race on the second day at Cheltenham.
Tensions erupted as the riders tried to gain a favourable position among the 21-horse field which led to two false starts before the runners were allowed to set off. De Boinville went on to finish second on Act Of Innocence, behind King Rasko Grey, while Queally crossed the finish line in fifth on I’ll Sort That.
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After clashing at the start, the war of words continued post-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 replied: “Maybe he should look in the mirror.”
Queally later told the Mirror that De Boinville’s comments were “of a racial nature” and said he had “reported it and it is being dealt with by the BHA stewards.”
De Boinville, meanwhile, was contacted for a response and said he had no comment to make.
But now, it appears the spat has been resolved. Indeed, in an interview with ITV after the The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle on Thursday, Queally and De Boinville shook hands before both revealed the situation has been sorted.
As both riders stood next to each-other, Queally said: “All sorted, just a heat of the moment battle, all is forgiven and best of luck to Nico in the future.”
De Boinville then added: “Very much so, I appreciate Declan, wish him all the best and big thanks to Davy Russell for sorting this out.”
The duo finished with another handshake before parting and getting ready for the third race, The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle, at 2:40pm.
Former Champion Jockey AP McCoy said on the matter: “It was the right things to do and fair play to them.”
