ROBERT Thornton, the former stable jockey to Barbury Castle trainer Alan King, has been forced to retire due to injury.
Thornton, affectionately known as Choc, has not ridden since falling from Say When at Chepstow in April 2014, an incident during which the rider suffered fractured vertebrae.
The 37-year-old had hoped to make a return to racing after undergoing physiotherapy treatment at the Injured Jockeys Fund rehab centre at Oaksey House but, in a statement released on Monday, he confirmed that he would not be attempting a comeback to the saddle.
Thornton’s statement read: “Whilst I’ve always hoped to return, following recent specialist reports and having met with Dr (Jerry) Hill from the BHA, due to ongoing issues with my neck and upper limbs I have no choice but to retire.
“I’ve missed the camaraderie of the weighing room and will continue to do so.
“I’m sad to be retiring, but I’ve had a career I can look back on with pride and have an exciting job with Paul Dunkley (racehorse owner and breeder) that I can look forward to. I also have a son I adore and am at least retiring in one piece.
“I will of course use JETS (Jockeys Employment & Training Scheme) as I develop my career out of the saddle.”
“There are many people I’d like to thank, but I’d like to thank all the trainers and owners who have supported me over the years, in particular Alan King and his owners, who’ve been incredibly supportive especially the last four or five years when I had a rotten run of luck with injuries.
“I’d also like to thank the team at Oaksey House, and in particular Daloni Lucas, as well as Jerry Hill at the BHA, who’s been first class throughout.”