Andrew Thornton

Andrew Thornton is a retired National Hunt jockey.

For the narcotics officer, lawyer and drug smuggler, see Andrew C. Thornton II.

Andrew Thornton on The Listener, 13 March 2005

Early life

He was born on 28 October 1972 in Cleveland, Yorkshire and schooled at Barnard Castle School in County Durham.

Riding career

He rode mainly for Caroline Bailey and Seamus Mullins, he was stable jockey for Robert Alner for many years as well as riding for plenty of other trainers over the years. Thornton was one of the very few National Hunt jockeys who wore contact lenses while riding and it is for this reason that he acquired the nicknames "Lensio" and "Blindman".[1] Thornton rode his 1000th winner on Kentford Myth at Wincanton on 26 December 2016.[2]

Despite having to endure many setbacks and injuries throughout his career, by 2012 Thornton was widely regarded as one of the best jumps jockeys around.[3] He was also very highly respected among his weighing room colleagues.

Because Thornton was taller than the average jump jockey, he was forced to ride very low in the stirrups. It was not always attractive to look at but it rarely failed to get the job done.[4] The benefits of his riding style were also highlighted by the record Thornton had in staying handicap chases and staying handicap hurdle races. He was able to push along from a mile out and galvanise the horse. His strength was seen in many exciting finishes when he looked beaten turning for home.

On 6 June 2018, Thornton retired from racing.

Since retirement, Thornton has worked for Sky Sports Racing amongst others. The highlight of his broadcasting career coming on the 21st January 2022 when he made his first appearance on the channel’s flagship show, Get In. Presented by regular host Jason (Shark) Weaver and Mike Cattermole. The 'Catt' was deputising for Luke Harvey (The Toxic Turtle).

Harvey was late for his own show, which was deemed a new low for the 'marmite' presenter. Thornton was asked about editing his own Wikipedia page and his questionable moustache in June 2009. [5]

Notable horses

Thornton rode many horses including Cool Dawn, Gingembre and See More Business to victory in many a big race as well as 8-time winner French Holly who won two Grade 1s and only just failed to win the Champion Hurdle in 1999 when beaten by Istabraq. His death in a schooling accident in the Winter of 1999 was a major disappointment to Thornton.

Achievements and awards
  • 1996 Lester Award for special recognition
  • 1997 Lester Award for special recognition
  • 2003 Lester Award for jump ride of the year aboard Kingscliff
  • 2007 Lester Award for jump ride of the year aboard Miko De beauchene

He rode major winners for Robert Alner, Seamus Mullins, Evan Williams, Ian Williams, Jamie Poulton, Paul Nicholls, Mary Reveley, John Spearing, Lavina Taylor, Ferdy Murphy and TA Forster.

Cheltenham Festival winners

Grade 1 winners

Other notable winners

See also

References
  1. Ashdown, John (14 March 2008). "Small Talk: Andrew Thornton". The Guardian. Retrieved 19 April 2018.
  2. King, Andrew. "Thornton knees up after riding 1,000th winner". Racing Post. Archived from the original on 16 January 2017. Retrieved 13 January 2017.
  3. "Andrew Thornton - Grand National Jockey". Grand National Guide. 11 April 2012. Retrieved 19 April 2018.
  4. Longmore, Andrew (28 December 1997). "Racing: Thornton stands tall in the saddle". The Independent. Archived from the original on 7 May 2022. Retrieved 19 April 2018.
  5. "Jockey Thornton to retire after 28 years". BBC Sport.
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