Thornton back soon

Jockey Robert Thornton will return to action later in the week following a spill at Wincanton on Saturday.

Thornton’s mount Duncliffe fell at the eighth fence in the Listed Badger Ales Trophy, which was won by Iris Bleu, and gave up his remaining rides on the card and also at Hereford today.

However, agent Dave Roberts confirmed the 27-year-old should back at the helm by midweek.

“It was nothing serious but he took a bit of a whack and is just having a few days off now,” said Roberts.

“He’s just a bit bruised and shaken up, that’s all.”

Thornton has ridden 26 winners this year but missed out on Royal Shakespeare’s one-and-a-half-length success in the Graded Two totesport.com Elite Hurdle as a result of his spill.

“He was booked up for that ride (which went to Graham Lee) but missed out because of the fall – that’s racing,” added Roberts.