Thornton given the all-clear after putting knee injury saga behind him

Andrew Thornton has received the all-clear to resume riding after recovering from a third operation on his troublesome knee.

The Gold Cup-winning jockey passed the landmark of riding 1,000 winners last season but has suffered persistent issues since crossing the line on Kentford Myth at Wincanton on Boxing Day.

Thornton said: "With this injury I have had three operations: the original one was to tidy up the cartilage; the second one was to have the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructed; and the third in June was to have the screw taken out in order to clear a blockage in the front of the knee.

"I saw Dr Jerry Hill on Thursday for a medical and a catch-up in terms of the knee and he was very happy with what he saw. He's given me the all-clear to be back in ten days."

Andrew Thornton has made more than 150 trips to Jack Berry House in Malton during his rehabilitationCredit: Edward Whitaker

Over 150 visits to IJF's Jack Berry House

Thornton was quick to praise the staff at Jack Berry House in Malton, where he has undergone intensive rehabilitation after the three operations.

"I think I’ve had over 150 visits to the IJF while I've been off," said the 44-year-old.

"I have to mention everyone at Jack Berry House. I wouldn’t be back without them and they are absolutely brilliant. It wouldn’t be fair to single anyone out as it's a team effort there."

Thornton will return to riding out next week with a familiar ally as he gears up for his return.

"Seamus Mullins has been very good to me over the years and I’m heading down there next week for two or three days and then we’ll make a plan from there," he said.

"I want to get to the stage where I can say I've ridden over 1,000 winners. My little boy is three and a half now and it would be nice if he could remember his dad riding in years to come. He is completely oblivious to that first 1,000!"

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