ROBERT THORNTON RETURNS TO WORK

ROBERT THORNTON returned to work this morning but he still continues to recover from a broken arm following a fall at Hereford last month.

Trainer Alan King welcomed the much-loved stable jockey back to the yard, but even though Choc's return to competitive action remains some time away, King was delighted to have him back in the saddle.

King said: "Choc was in this morning riding work. He actually gave Grumeti a breeze and it's great to have him back in the yard,

"He seems to be coming on well. He doesn't go back and see the specialist until early February, but it's good to have him around the place again."

MEDERMIT TO RACE BEFORE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL

MEDERMIT is to race in the Betfair Ascot Chase in February before heading to the Cheltenham Festival.

Alan King's grey horse is to return on February 18 as The Ryanair Chase in March is his new target.

He was runner-up in his previous race, The Atlantic 4 Gold Cup, at the Prestbury Park track in December, finishing behind Quantitativeasing.

WEST END ROCKER ROCKS AINTREE

WEST End Rocker ran a fantastic race at Aintree today by winning the Betfred Becher Handicap Chase. 

Alan King's horse beat Niche Market (9/1) who was the main threat in the Chase, but King's nine-year-old won 22 lengths ahead of his rival.

Ridden by Wayne Hutchinson, West End Rocker won at 10/1.

After an unlucky ride in Grand National this year, the horse now has the 2012 Grand National firmly in sight.