Declan Queally and Nico de Boinville have resolved their disagreement following allegations by Queally that De Boinville made a racially insensitive remark towards him at the Cheltenham Festival. The incident occurred during the Turners Novices’ Hurdle, the opening race on the second day of the festival, where both jockeys were involved in a verbal altercation amid a chaotic start that resulted in two false starts before the race officially began. De Boinville finished second on Act Of Innocence, while Queally came in fifth on I’ll Sort That.
Queally expressed his dissatisfaction with De Boinville’s conduct, citing the incident as “not very nice” and of a racial nature. He reported the matter to the BHA stewards. In response, De Boinville declined to comment on the situation.
However, the two jockeys reconciled their differences during an interview with ITV after the The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle the following day. They shook hands and confirmed that the issue had been resolved. Queally stated that it was a momentary conflict and extended his best wishes to De Boinville. De Boinville reciprocated the sentiment, expressing his appreciation for Queally and thanking Davy Russell for assisting in resolving the matter.
The duo concluded their interaction with a handshake before preparing for the next race, The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle. Former Champion Jockey AP McCoy commended their actions, describing it as the right thing to do.
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