09 February 2024 , 19:14
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Former top jockey Robert ‘Choc’ Thornton has pioneered a revolutionary new horseshoe which is producing winners on the track.
In the saddle Thornton was at the top of his profession, riding more than 1,100 winners and 16 at the Cheltenham Festival including the Champion Hurdle, Champion Chase and Stayers’ Hurdle.
He retired in 2015 to manage Apple Tree Stud in Gloucestershire and at the same time has helped design, with farrier Aron Tyler, a horseshoe for which horse welfare is paramount.
The shoe, which has a unique tread pattern to aid stability, is made from composite rubber with an aluminium core. It also has better shock absorbing properties than conventional shoes.
Since the BHA approved the shoe for use on the racecourse last year, the results have been impressive.
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“We have had 28 runners, 12 winners and 23 have been in the first four,” said Thornton, 45. “Graeme McPherson and David Kilahena’s stable have been using them and they have had five runners in this shoe and five winners. None of these horses were hand-picked.”
Top trainers Alan King and Roger Varian have been using the shoe which is also approved for use in Ireland, jump racing in the US and awaiting approval in France and Australia.
The Equishox horseshoe was worn by one of Alan King's recent winners (@AtTheRaces)Thornton said: “These shoes are designed to ensure there is a reduction in concussion and vibration when a horse’s foot strikes the ground.
“The concussion can reduce sore shins and jarring, the vibration can reduce the chance of stress fractures and makes a difference if a horse strikes into itself or knocks its joints. It is helping horses with these problems.”
He went on: “We are coming at this from a welfare angle and prevention is the best cure. In this day and age we need to be doing everything we can to protect our sport, make it better, make it safer and this is a way you can do it.”