Thornton hoping to head home

Robert Thornton is hoping to be sent home from hospital later on Friday after a successful operation to repair ligaments in his knee.

Alan King’s stable jockey, who is being treated at Bristol’s St Mary’s Hospital, could be out of action for up to 12 months following an incident at Newton Abbot on Monday.

“I spoke to ’Choc’ (Thornton) on Thursday afternoon and he told me that the operation went well and that it is a case of so far so good,” said King.

“All being well he will be sent home on Friday and though he will have to keep the knee fairly still for six weeks or so, he will then be able to start the rebuilding process and we will keep everyone in touch with his progress at regular intervals,” he told his website, www.alankingracing.co.uk.