Thornton 1,001 not out after first win in 11 months on Cap Horner

Andrew Thornton was quick to dismiss talk of retirement after taking his career tally to 1,001 on 25-1 chance Cap Horner in the novice handicap chase – his first win since he suffered a serious knee injury following his landmark success at Wincanton on Boxing Day.

There was a suspicion he might call it a day, particularly as he had said while recuperating that he wanted to retire on his own terms and to be able to tell his son that he had ridden over a thousand winners. However, he is plainly still loving his days in the saddle.

"Why pack it in while I'm still enjoying it?" he said. "Besides, there's nobody here."