Thornton quits the saddle

GOLD Cup-winning jockey Andrew Thornton will end his 29-year career at Uttoxeter tomorrow.

Thornton. who won the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Cool Dawn in 1998, is one of a select group of jockeys to have ridden over 1,000 jumps winners.

The 45-year-old had his first victory on

Wrekin Hill in 1991 for Arthur Stephenson and went on to enjoy big-race success on See More Business, French Holly, The Listener and Miko De Beauchene.

But in recent years he has struggled with injury, even damaging his knee on dismounting after riding his 1,000th winner.

And Thornton (left) told At The Races: “I’m finally hanging the boots up. I woke up one day last week, had a few things running around in my head and I thought the time was right. It’s simple as that.

“I had a winner for Seamus Mullins at the start of the season, but I’m not getting as many rides as I used to and I just felt I had to grow up.

“Father Time is catching me up and I’d like to do it on my own terms.

“I’m looking forward to Uttoxeter – it’s the right time for me, the right time for Seamus and time moves on, he’s got his owners to think about.

“I’ve got a lot to look back on but I owe WA (Stephenson) everything.

“I wouldn’t be where I am now without him.“

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