Cheltenham row erupts as Irish amateur accuses English jockey of ‘horrific abuse’
The Cheltenham Festival’s starting procedures once again found themselves under intense scrutiny on Wednesday, following a heated exchange between Irish amateur Declan Queally and jockey Nico de Boinville ahead of the Turners Novices’ Hurdle.
The incident marked a continuation of the drama that plagued starts at last year’s showpiece meeting, exacerbated this year by the challenge of managing large fields.
The opening event on day two was delayed by nearly four minutes, unfolding amidst a prolonged effort to marshal 21 runners into a suitable order. Queally and De Boinville were reportedly clashing as they vied for a prime spot near the starting tapes.
Speaking to ITV Racing, Queally expressed his dismay, stating: “The start was a bit of a mess and I got trapped back further than I wanted. I was being abused by an English rider Nico de Boinville and it’s not very nice. I’m an amateur coming here riding in front of my kids and that, it’s horrific.”
De Boinville offered a terse retort, simply responding: “Maybe he should look in the mirror.”
The contentious start drew analysis from riding legends Ruby Walsh and Sir Anthony McCoy, both of whom suggested that riders have an equal right to their position.
McCoy commented: “One person has as much right to be there as someone else. Just because whoever you are doesn’t mean to say you should be in there. I don’t think Declan’s done much wrong. I don’t think one person is any more entitled to be there than another.”
Walsh, reiterating his long-held view on the need for reform, added: “That’s the same Nico de Boinville who rode Jonbon last year and put his head on the tape. Maybe he needs to look in the mirror, too. You need a rolling start. I’ve said it for a long time. If they walk in front of a tape and then it moves in front of the horses, you’d have none of this drama.”
The chaotic start had tangible consequences, notably for Paul Nicholls’ 5-2 favourite, No Drama This End, who was severely inconvenienced and ultimately pulled up by jockey Harry Cobden.
Part-owner Max McNeill voiced his frustration, suggesting: “I think they should have given them another chance to walk in again at the start. If they don’t do it first time, they should tell them off and do it again.
“The Irish jockeys know what they are doing and they are going to make it as difficult for the class horse in the races possible. I’m not blaming anyone. The horse wasn’t good enough on the day, but we live to fight another day. I’m not blaming Harry at all as it was a lottery at the start.”