Veteran jockey due to return next week

Andrew Thornton expects to be back in the saddle early next week to resume his chase for the four winners he still requires before he can join the elite group of jump jockeys who have ridden 1,000 winners.

Thornton, who broke a collarbone when falling on Utmost Zeal at Towcester on October 5, is pleased with how his recovery has progressed and is excited to crack on again.

Speaking from Jack Berry House, where he has become a regular visitor, he said: "I'm coming on well and I'll be back next week. I know Seamus [Mullins] will have entries on Wednesday, but I'll be looking from Monday onwards, when they race at Plumpton and Southwell – both my sort of meetings!"