Today we talk to retired Cheltenham & Double Champion Jockey Robert Thornton.
Hi Robert, I hope we find you well & we are absolutely delighted you have taken the time out to talk to us at 3 Furlongs Out.
Firstly a few questions on your time as a top Jockey –
Who inspired you to become a Jockey?
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I’m not sure who inspired me, although I was captivated by a horse called desert orchid.
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What horse would you like to have ridden?
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Masterminded when he beat Voy Poy in the QM
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What was your favourite of all your Cheltenham winners ?
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My Ways in the Arkle. He was so easy to ride. Push button
Apart from Cheltenham, what was your favourite Track & why?
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Newbury, it’s very fair track lots of space and time.
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Did you have a Routine or Superstition as a Jockey?
Yes I was always very early then would sit in the sauna for half an hour or so with tea and a banana. Red seemed to be lucky. I was asked to wear it for sponsors when that finished if I took the gloves off I had dreadful luck.
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What advice would you give to young Jockey’s just starting out?
Ride for along as you can because when you give up you have to work!
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A few questions regarding breeding now, as some of our readers are interested in what to look for……
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What Breeds make good Chasers & Hurdlers?
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Thoroughbreds as they are the only breed that race
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Do Graded wins get taken into account when selecting horses to Breed?
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Yes very much so.
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Is the Dam or Sire the most important, when looking for top class horses?
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Both are important when looking for good horses on the flat. I’d say jumpers are more freaks and no law to them.
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Does the price of top sires, put trainers off buying the best bred horses?
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I don’t think so I think they look for top prices.
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How do you relax away from work?
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Gym, snowboard and skiing, spending time with my 2 boys.
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Thank you for taking the time to talk to us & we wish you all the best
Rich Williams 3 Furlongs Out
arseonlineracing 