SWINDON jockey Wayne Hutchinson is preparing to hand the reins back over to Alan King’s number one jockey, Robert Thornton, when jump racing gets underway again following the frost and snow.

Hutchinson, also attached to the Barbury Castle yard, has been an able deputy for Thornton - who has been on the sidelines since July after damaging ligaments to his right knee in a fall at Newton Abbott.

The Swindon jockey told the Advertiser he had been making the most of his opportunities in the absence of Thornton, adding: “It’s been a good spell for me riding some of the yard’s high profile horses, you kind of get used to it and want more.

“Apart from one blip when Medermit refused, I have been riding several winners for the yard and have been impressed with youngsters Habbie Simpson and Gospel Preacher. They should be worth following during the season.

“Choc (Thornton) has done well to come back earlier than expected and will be keen to get started again. Hopefully there are plenty of horses in the yard to ride and Alan King is very fair and sorts out plenty of rides for me.

“It’s been a bit chilly riding out this week, but the horses have to be kept on the move and in their daily routine, hopefully a thaw will soon set in.”

Thornton has been passed fit by the BHA’s chief medical advisor and will be back in action when the weather relents.

He was reported as saying: “I can’t wait to get back hopefully the temperatures will rise soon and I can get going again, there is a lot of lost time to make up for.”

During his recovery Thornton has been busy using the facilities at Oaksey House, the Injured Jockeys’ Fund facility in Lambourn, and was keen to thank the staff for their support.

Trainer Paul Nicholls arranged for Thornton to spend several days at Manchester United’s ground last month, the jockey adding: “Everybody has been superb, when I went to Manchester United they really opened my eyes to the fact I could really push the knee and it wasn’t going to hurt. I support Liverpool but I didn’t tell them that.”