Thornton records first double Andrew Thornton, successful earlier on Nivek's Dream, recorded his first double when again teaming up with trainer Pat Martin to land the Toals Bookmakers-sponsored 2m7f handicap chase aboard Strolling Home. The 44/1 double is a major boost to Thornton, who has missed much of the last seven months through injury following a fall at this track last October. “I did two discs in my lower back and also suffered a bleed on the right-hand side of my brain,” recounted Thornton. Strolling Home (9/1) just got the better of a battle up the run-in with the front-running Bonny Isle (20/1). The 7/4 favourite Hoochie Mama could find no extra inside the final half mile eventually finishing sixth. “That's my first double and I'm delighted it was for Pat as he has been great to me. This fella keeps a bit for himself and likes to be dropped on the line,” said Thornton. Alan Magee
