Cheltenham jockeys at centre of racism storm issue joint statement live on TV

The two Cheltenham jockeys at the centre of a racism row have buried the hatchet on live television.

Nico De Boinville and Declan Queally clashed ahead of the opening race of the second day of action on Wednesday at Prestbury Park.

Queally, riding I’ll Sort That, and De Boinville on Act Of Innocence were jostling for positions close to the tapes with their row picked up by the ITV cameras.

Amateur rider Queally claimed immediately after the race he ‘was being abused’ by de Boinville. In a subsequent interview with the Racing Post, the Waterford jockey alleged the comments were of a racial nature.

‘It was competitive down there and I got repeated racial abuse from Nico de Boinville when I was coming in around the corner and then he called me a f*****g p***k couple of times in front of the ITV camera,’ Queally said.

De Boinville ‘categorically denied’ allegations he racially abused Irish rival Queally in an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live.

And shortly after his comments aired, the two appeared on ITV’s live coverage side-by-side outside the weight room, shaking hands in front of the cameras.

Asked by ITV’s Matt Chapman if the matter could be put to bed, Queally said: ‘Yes, it’s all sorted. All is forgiven and best of luck to Nico in the future.

Asked if it is important to move on now, De Boinville said: ‘Very much so and I appreciate Declan and wish him the best.’

The two shook hands for a second time before heading off in different directions.

The British Horseracing Authority’s inquiry into a complaint is underway although it is not expected to conclude until after the Festival.

A report from the BHA said:  ‘An enquiry was held into a complaint received from Mr D. Queally regarding an incident at the start. 

‘The Stewards, having heard the initial evidence from Queally and Nico de Boinville, have adjourned the matter to obtain further evidence.’

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