Andrew Thornton
Andrew Thornton is a National Hunt jockey. He was born on October 28, 1972 in Cleveland. He is the current stable jockey to Dorset trainer Robert Alner but is also strongly assiocated with other National Hunt trainers Seamus Mullins, Caroline Bailey and Emma Lavelle. He is also the older brother of another of England's greatest jockeys Robert Thornton, otherwise known as "Chocolate". Andrew is one of the very few National Hunt jockeys who wears contact lenses while riding and it is for this reason that he has ascertained the nickname "lensio". He is married to Claire.
Despite having to endure many setbacks and injuries throughout his career, Andrew is now widely regarded as one of the best jumps jockeys around. He is also very highly respected among his weighing room collegues. His opinion on horse racing is also well sought after by members of the Racing Post, Racing UK and AtTheRaces.
Many criticise Andrew's riding style. However, it is quite effective in most expert's opinions. Because he is taller than the average jump jockey, he is forced to ride very low in the stirrups. It's not always attractive to look at but it rarely fails to get the job done. His unusual riding style also has its benfits, the horse rarely falls and he is seldomly unseated. Its benefits is also highlighted by the record Andrew 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.
Andrew has rode many great horses including Cool Dawn, Gingembre and See More Business to victory in many a big race. However the best he has ridden and his favourite has to be 8 time winner French Holly. She won two Grade 1s and only just failed to win the Champion Hurdle in 1999 having encountered one of the greatest horses ever Istabraq. Her death in a schooling accident in the Winter of 1999 was one of major dissappointment to Andrew. He has plenty of big race rides to look forward to for the new jumps season including Miko De Beauchene (who has been mentioned as a likely candidate to overturn Denman and Kauto Star in next season's Gold Cup), Grand National fancy Simon, Miss Mitch and Honour High.
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
Cheltenham Festival winners
1996 William Hill Trophy Handicap Chase - Maamur
1998 Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle - French Holly
1998 Cheltenham Gold Cup - Cool Dawn
Grade 1 winners
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
Other notable winners
1998 Racing Post Chase - Super Tactics
2001 Scottish Grand National - Gingembre
2002 Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup - Gingembre
2007 Racing Post Chase - Simon
2007 Welsh National - Miko De Beauchene
2008 Red Square Vodka Gold Cup - Miko De Beauchene