Robert "Choc" Thornton is a retired English National Hunt jockey.
Background
After growing up riding hunters with his father (a noted professional Huntsman) he started working for trainer David Nicholson in 1997 as an amateur and after immediate success became a Conditional jockeyriding 71 winners during his first season in the sport.
Career
Robert "Chocolate" Thornton (known as Choc) was one of the United Kingdom"s leading National Hunt jockeys. After making his professional debut, Thornton’s performance was consistent, if unspectacular, and he consistently featured in the top 10 of the British Jumps Jockey Championship. Robert Thornton shies away from the spotlight and he did not talk to the television cameras until he spoke to his owners and trainer.
After joined Alan King, Thornton was the leading English jockey in 2005 and 2006 in a profession dominated by Irish jockeys.
In 2008 he rode three winners including a notable 1st day double. He is unrelated to the jockey Andrew Thornton.
His worst moment in racing was when Strong Promise died in the 2000 Martel Cup at Liverpool. 1997 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup - King Lucifer
1997 Pertemps Final - Pharanear
2004 William Hill National Hunt Handicap Chase - Fork Lightning
2005 William Hill Trophy Handicap Chase - Kelami
2005 Triumph Hurdle - Penzance
2006 Arkle Challenge Trophy - Voy Por Ustedes
2006 World Hurdle - My Way de Solzen
2007 Arkle Challenge Trophy - My Way de Solzen
2007 Queen Mother Champion Chase - Voy Por Ustedes
2007 Triumph Hurdle - Katchit
2007 Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase - Andreas
2008 Supreme Novices" Hurdle - Captain Cee Bee
2008 Champion Hurdle - Katchit
2008 Albert Bartlett Novices" Hurdle - Nenuphar Collonges
2011 Stewart Family Spinal Research Handicap Chase - Bensalem.