Nico de Boinville has been cleared of making racist comments towards Irish jockey Declan Queally following a stewards' inquiry at the Cheltenham Festival. The incident occurred during the Turners Novices' Hurdle on day two when both riders jostled for position before a false start. Queally formally complained of racist abuse to stewards, alleging de Boinville used such language during the altercation.

However, stewards reviewed video footage, audio from the start, and interviews with multiple parties and found no evidence to support the claim. While acknowledging strong language was used by de Boinville and that emotions ran high in the competitive environment, the inquiry concluded there was no audio or verbal evidence of racist remarks. De Boinville was instead reminded of his professional obligations under racing rules. The stewards' report emphasized participants must maintain conduct standards even under pressure.

The cleared jockey and Queally appeared on ITV Racing the following day for a handshake brokered by former jockey Davy Russell, with both expressing a desire to move past the incident. The formal process concluded without disciplinary action against de Boinville, though he received a reminder about professional behavior expectations. This outcome allows both jockeys to focus on upcoming races without the cloud of the allegation hanging over them.