ROBERT THORNTON AND IMPERIAL COMMANDER TO MISS CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL

IT'S BEEN a week of tumbles and disappointment in the racing world - first Imperial Commander pulled out of the Cheltenham Gold Cup and then Robert Thornton was ruled out for the rest of the season.

Imperial Commander, the 2010 Gold Cup winner, was set to make a comeback and possibly regain his crown, but a lung infection forced his trainer, Nigel Twiston-Davies, to pull him out of the race.

After an absence of nearly two years, the veteran chaser emerged as a surprise contender in one of the most biggest races in the sport, when he finished second in the Argento Chase in January.

However, despite the disappointment, connections hope he will recover in time for the John Smith's Grand National next month.

While Twiston-Davies keeps his fingers-crossed for the 12-year-old horse, jockey Robert Thornton revealed he broke his arm in a fall at Southwell on Monday and will now miss the remainder of the season.

Thornton, one of my favourite jockeys and a true gentleman (I have met him a few times and he is lovely), also damaged his spine in the tumble from Our Phylli Vera in a handicap hurdle, but it's hoped surgery will not be required.

The Cheltenham Festival will not be the same without the two sporting greats, but I, along with everyone in the racing world, wishes them a speedy and healthy recovery.

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."