Cliff hanger for Thornton

Andrew Thornton is hoping he will be allowed to resume his partnership with Kingscliff on Boxing Day should Robert Walford fail to win his race to be fit.

The latter has replaced Robert Alner’s stable jockey on the nine-year-old this season, but was injured in a schooling fall on Thursday and is “50-50” to take the ride in the Stan James King George VI Chase at Sandown.

Thornton told Sky Sports News: “I’ve had a good relationship him, won twice on him and been second in the King George (last year).

“I’m just hoping Mr Sendell (owner) will give me the nod, but time will tell and we’ll see what happens.”