Furious Cheltenham row breaks out as jockey accuses rival of ‘abuse’ in front of wife and kids

Declan Queally accused Nico de Boinville of ‘abusing’ him before the opening race of day two at Cheltenham.

The pair were seen exchanging words on the start line before the Turner Novices’ Hurdle.

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After a delay due to a false start, King Rasko Grey claimed victory under Paul Townend for Willie Mullins.

The 11/1 shot finished ahead of De Boinville on Act of Innocence, whilst Queally was back in fifth with I’ll Sort That.

However, a row quickly emerged after both jockeys spoke to ITV’s Matt Chapman as they returned to the weighing room.

Queally and De Boinville had traded barbs as they jostled for space on the start line.

It came after the planned rolling start was scrapped following a false start.

Instead, the jockeys were moved to a standing start at the tape.

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Following the race, amateur jockey Queally did not hold back as he fumed: “The start was a bit of a mess.

“Being abused by an English rider wasn’t very nice. I’m an amateur, I’ve come over here with my kids, it was horrific in front of my kids.”

When asked about the comments, De Boinville said: “Maybe he should look in the mirror.”

Legendary jockey AP McCoy later shared his stance on the altercation at the start line.

Following replays of the incident between Queally and De Boinville, he admitted: “The only thing I would say about this is, one person has the right to be there as much as someone else.

“Just because of whoever you are doesn’t mean to say you should be in there.”

When asked if he means Queally has not done anything wrong, he added: “No, I don’t think so.”

Meanwhile, Luke Harvey said: “It’s not just because you’re a better jockey, bigger jockey.

“You like to go down the inner but if I got to the inner before you, I’d stay there. Why shouldn’t he go down there if he wants to?”

ITV Sport

McCoy continued: “Looking at it from those shots, I don’t think one person is anymore entitled to be there than another.”

De Boinville, who has 18 Cheltenham Festival winners to his name, has ridden more Grade One winners than any active British jumps jockey.

Meanwhile, he rode Old Park Star to victory in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle on Tuesday.

Irishman Queally had been on his first ride of this year’s Cheltenham Festival.

More to follow.