Racism row at Cheltenham as Irish rider Queally accuses De Boinville of abuse

ITV broadcast footage of Nico de Boinville (left) and Declan Queally exchanging words at the start of the Turners Novices’ Hurdle. Photograph: ITV

The Cheltenham festival was mired in controversy over alleged racial abuse on Wednesday evening after Declan Queally, an Irish amateur jockey, claimed the leading British rider Nico de Boinville had subjected him to a series of verbal attacks before the start of the Turners Novices’ Hurdle.

Queally and De Boinville could be seen exchanging words on ITV ­Racing’s coverage as 21 runners and riders jostled for position before the start of the opening race.