Not many jockeys get nicknames; when they do, it is usually a tribute to their ability, achievements and how they are perceived by their fans.
Robert ‘Choc’ Thornton’s fans were quick to realise his surname was the same as the famous chocolatier and the name ‘Choc’, quickly stuck.
Born in Darlington, in 1978, he was around horses from an early age, due to his father being a professional huntsman. As a result, this soon had an influence on his own riding skills and developing passion for equestrianism.
Start In Racing
Thornton began his racing career, working for the well-respected trainer David Nicholson, as an amateur in 1997 – this was a move that essentially cemented his professional future.
During his first season as a conditional jockey, he secured an impressive 71 winners, which caught the attention of quite a few in the sport. In his second season, meanwhile, he followed this up winning the Conditional Jockey’s Championship and top trainers began to circle.
It wasn’t long before Thornton established himself as a considerable presence in the top ranks of British jump racing and was consistently finishing in the top 10 of the British Jumps Jockey Championship.
One noticeable trait of his, is that he preferred to stay away from the media spotlight and would often celebrate in private, avoiding the glare of the cameras.
Career Highs
Throughout his career, Thonton experienced a number of high points and undoubtedly, his first came in the 2007/08 season when he broke the elusive 100 wins benchmark with 105 out of 597 rides, symbolising consistent excellence.
He developed a flourishing partnership with Alan King of Barbury Castle Stables, which then led to numerous Festival triumphs, often delivering on many of King’s horses. With 16 Cheltenham winners to his name, this is one of the all-time best, while in 2007 he was awarded the Top Jockey accolade riding four winners. These came in the Arkle Challenge Trophy, Queen Mother Champion Chase and Triumph Hurdle. Indeed, throughout his career, he recorded wins in nearly every Cheltenham Festival race.
In March 2011, he entered a club that few jockeys do; winning his 1000th professional race, riding Araldur at Towcester.
At Chepstow in April 2014 came a setback which would eventually result in the curtain coming down on his career, when a fall resulted in a fractured vertebrae.
Post Retirement
After he retired from racing, Thornton very much continued to enjoy a quiet life away from the media spotlight. He became a Racing and Stud Manager at the Apple Tree Stud, near Stow-on-the-Wold, continuing his involvement in the sport, sharing his knowledge and expertise which has influenced the next generation.
Admired for his cool head, sportsmanship and consistency, Thornton continues to be respected by all those involved in horse racing. His ability to perform at the highest level and under pressure earned him the respect of his peers, early on his career and did this on a consistent basis.