Former jockey Thornton breaks down after selling horse for £630,000

Wiping a tear from his eye and turning away from camera, he struggled to compose himself when describing what the sale meant

Wed, 16 Oct, 2024 - 16:10

Colin Wilson

Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey Robert 'Choc' Thornton wiped tears from his eyes after selling his beloved horse for £630,000 (€753,358).

Since retiring from the addle, Thornton has gone into the bloodstock game with the hope of striking it big.

And he did just that this week at the Tattersalls sales at Newmarket.

Thornton could hardly get his words out when speaking on camera after selling his filly by Too Darn Hot to a partnership of Amo Racing and Al Shaqab.

Wiping a tear from his eye and turning away from camera, he struggled to compose himself when describing what the sale meant.

The filly was bred and sold by Paul Dunkley’s Apple Tree Stud, the Gloucestershire farm Thornton runs and owns.

With his voice cracking, Thorton said: "The horse has been perfect all the way through and thrived here, never turned a hair. She always puts on a superb show.

"I thought she'd always make £150,000, maybe £200,000 on a good day — but that's shocking.”

Turning away from camera to try to compose himself before returning, Thornton added: "I'm a mess, I'm sorry. I've never felt anything like that. I've never cried on the back of a racehorse, put it that way. Sorry for being pathetic!"