{"id":3194,"date":"2026-03-11T18:27:53","date_gmt":"2026-03-11T18:27:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news678.top\/?p=3194"},"modified":"2026-03-11T18:27:53","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T18:27:53","slug":"cheltenham-row-erupts-as-irish-jockey-accuses-english-rival-of-horrific-abuse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news678.top\/?p=3194","title":{"rendered":"Cheltenham row erupts as Irish jockey accuses English rival of ‘horrific abuse’"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The jockeys clashed ahead of the opening race of day two (Picture: ITV Racing)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Irish jockey Declan Queally accused his English rival Nico de Boinville of \u2018abusing\u2019 him in front of his family as the two clashed on day two of the Cheltenham Festival.<\/p>\n

Both riders were lining up for the Novices\u2019 Hurdle in the opening race of the day on Wednesday when they were involved in a heated argument that briefly delayed the start.<\/p>\n

Queally, riding I\u2019ll Sort That, and De Boinville on Act Of Innocence were jostling for positions close to the tapes.<\/p>\n

It came after the planned rolling start to the race was scrapped following a false start.<\/p>\n

De Boinville on Act of Innocence finished in second place with Quelly on I\u2019ll Sort That in fifth. <\/p>\n

Explaining what happened after the race, Queally told Matt Chapman on ITV Racing: \u2018The start was a bit of a mess and I got trapped back further than I wanted.<\/p>\n

\u2018I was being abused by an English rider Nico de Boinville and it\u2019s not very nice. I\u2019m an amateur coming here riding in front of my kids and that, it\u2019s horrific.\u2019<\/p>\n

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“Being abused by an English rider, Nico de Boinville is not very nice” \ud83d\udc40”I’m an amateur, I’m coming over riding in front of my kids. HORRIFIC” \ud83d\ude2fDeclan Queally is NOT HAPPY with Nico de Boinville \ud83d\udde3\ufe0f pic.twitter.com\/ZooWaL1PDI<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 11, 2026<\/a>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n

De Boinville was also quizzed on the incident as he made his way back to the weight room, with Chapman explaining what Queally had said moments earlier. <\/p>\n

\u2018Maybe he should look in the mirror,\u2019 De Boinville responded.<\/p>\n

Queally is an amateur rider with race legend Sir AP McCoy suggesting he had every right to stand his ground during the row.<\/p>\n

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Act of Innocence finished in second place (Picture: Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u2018One person has as much right to be there as someone else. <\/p>\n

\u2018Just because whoever you are doesn\u2019t mean to say you should be in there. I don\u2019t think Declan\u2019s done much wrong. I don\u2019t think one person is any more entitled to be there than another.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ruby Walsh added: \u2018That\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019ve said it for a long time. If they walk in front of a tape and then it moves in front of the horses, you\u2019d have none of this drama.\u2019<\/p>\n

Arrow<\/title>\n<\/svg>MORE: Cheltenham Festival 2026: Day 2 betting tips, race card and latest odds<\/span><\/p>\n

Arrow<\/title>\n<\/svg>MORE: Horse dies in the second race of the Cheltenham Festival<\/span><\/p>\n

Arrow<\/title>\n<\/svg>MORE: Cheltenham Festival: Lossiemouth steals Day 1 headlines with dominant Champion Hurdle win<\/span><\/p>\n
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