INJURY has forced the retirement of popular NH jockey Robert ‘Choc’ Thornton, who has not ridden since fracturing vertebrae in his neck and back some 17 months ago.

A jockey of the highest calibre, Thornton was particularly successful at Cheltenham and rode Katchit to win the Triumph and Champion Hurdles, Voy Por Ustedes in the Arkle and Champion Chase and My Way De Solzen to land the Arkle and World Hurdle.