Thornton to return to action on Wednesday

ROBERT THORNTON is planning to return to the saddle at Ludlow on Wednesday before renewing his partnership with JCB Triumph Hurdle favourite, Mille Chief, at Huntingdon 24 hours later.

Robert Thornton: back in action

  PICTURE: Martin Lynch  

After contacting Dr Michael Turner, the BHA's chief medical adviser on Monday night, Thornton said: "I am fine and I've only got to be passed by a racecourse medical officer, but that won't be a problem and I will be going to Ludlow."

Alan King's stable jockey suffered severe bruising to his back at Leicester a fortnight ago, and spent a night in hospital, but was always confident of making a speedy return.

Thornton added: "I schooled this morning and last Thursday, but Tuesday is a relative quiet at Alan's so I will have a relatively easy day, but I'll spend a couple of hours in the gym and then get back to work."