Andrew Thornton

Background

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

Career

He is not related to another English jockey, Robert Thornton. He rides 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 is one of the very few National Hunt jockeys who wears contact lenses while riding and it is for this reason that he has acquired the nicknames "Lensio" and "Blindman".

Despite having to endure many setbacks and injuries throughout his career, Thornton is now widely regarded as one of the best jumps jockeys around.

He is also very highly respected among his weighing room colleagues. Many criticise Thornton"s riding style.

However, it is quite effective in most experts" opinions. Because he is taller than the average jump jockey, he is forced to ride very low in the stirrups.

lieutenant is not always attractive to look at but it rarely fails to get the job done.

Its benefits are also highlighted by the record Thornton has in staying Handicap Chases and staying Handicap Hurdles. Along with Tony McCoy, he is probably the strongest jump jockey in a finish. He can push along from a mile out and galvanise the horse.

His strength has been seen in many exciting finishes when he looked beaten turning for home.

His death in a schooling accident in the Winter of 1999 was a major disappointment to Thornton. 1996 Lester Award for special recognition 1996 William Hill Trophy Handicap Chase - Maamur 1998 Royal & SunAlliance Novices" Hurdle - French Holly 1998 Cheltenham Gold Cup - Cool Dawn 1997 King George VI Chase - See More Business 1998 Tolworth Hurdle - French Holly 1998 Royal & SunAlliance Novices" Hurdle - French Holly 1998 Cheltenham Gold Cup - Cool Dawn 1998 Christmas Hurdle - French Holly 2003 Finale Juvenile Hurdle - Sunray 1998 Rendlesham Hurdle - Buckhouse Boy 1998 Racing Post Chase - Super Tactics 2000 National Spirit Hurdle - Male-Ana-Moo 2001 Rendlesham Hurdle - Merry Masquerade 2001 Scottish Grand National - Gingembre 2002 Hennessy Gold Cup - Gingembre 2005 Reynoldstown Novices" Chase - Distant Thunder 2006 Cotswold Chase - See You Sometime 2007 Racing Post Chase - Simon 2007 Welsh National - Miko De Beauchene 2008 Red Square Vodka Gold Cup - Miko De Beauchene.

Achievements

• 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 has ridden 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.

Membership

His opinion on horse racing is also well sought after by members of the Racing Post, Racing United Kingdom and At The Races.