Il Etait Temps Claims Champion Chase Victory Amid Starting Controversy
Il Etait Temps demonstrated remarkable resilience to secure a thrilling win in the Queen Mother Champion Chase on Wednesday at Cheltenham, surviving a precarious slip after the final fence to claim the prestigious title. The victory, however, was overshadowed by a significant controversy involving jockeys Nico de Boinville and Declan Queally, which erupted before the start of the opening race and cast a shadow over the day's proceedings.
Jockey Dispute Mars Cheltenham Festival Atmosphere
The drama unfolded during the Turners Novice Hurdle, where a tightly packed field of 21 runners jostled for position at the start. Irish amateur jockey Declan Queally, who was riding I'll Sort That, accused top English rider Nico de Boinville of "horrific" abuse as they exchanged words before the race. De Boinville, aboard the well-fancied Act Of Innocence, appeared to instruct Queally to "get back" before maneuvering his mount to take a spot on the rail.
Queally expressed his dismay to ITV Racing, stating, "Being abused by an English rider, Nico de Boinville, is not very nice. I'm an amateur, I'm coming over here riding in front of my kids and that, horrific." In response, de Boinville suggested that Queally should "look in the mirror." The British Horseracing Authority later confirmed that stewards had opened an inquiry into the incident, adjourning to gather further evidence.
Starting Procedures Under Intense Scrutiny
The controversy extended beyond the Turners Novice Hurdle, as multiple jockeys voiced concerns over starting procedures throughout the day. In the 24-runner BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle, riders Mark Walsh and Jack Kennedy criticized the start, with Walsh calling it "a joke" and Kennedy highlighting issues with overcrowding and tight packing. These complaints have prompted close scrutiny of hurdle race starts for the remainder of the festival, particularly with maximum fields expected in upcoming events like the Mares' Novice Hurdle and Pertemps Final.
Il Etait Temps Emerges Victorious in Feature Race
Despite the off-track drama, the Champion Chase itself proceeded without starting issues, though it presented its own twists. Willie Mullins's Majborough, the 5-6 favourite, lost confidence after a slip at the eighth fence, reminiscent of his disappointing performance in last year's Arkle Trophy. As Majborough faded to seventh, his stable companion Il Etait Temps seized control between the final two fences.
Jockey Paul Townend displayed exceptional skill to maintain balance after Il Etait Temps slipped at the last fence, securing a double for Mullins's yard following Lossiemouth's Champion Hurdle victory on Tuesday. This win marked a remarkable comeback for Il Etait Temps, who had suffered a tired fall at Ascot just weeks earlier in the Clarence House Chase.
Trainer Willie Mullins Praises Performance and Addresses Concerns
Willie Mullins praised Townend's bravery and patience during the race, noting that Il Etait Temps improved as the race progressed. "I nearly had a heart attack at the last fence," Mullins admitted, "but the horse has come to himself at last." Regarding Majborough's performance, Mullins acknowledged the horse's difficulties, stating, "He makes life hard for himself. We will have to wait and see. Hopefully there is a big one in him one day."
The day's events have raised important questions about starting procedures and professional conduct at major racing festivals, ensuring that both on-track excellence and off-track controversies will be closely monitored as the Cheltenham Festival continues.
