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The Bravest Men at Cheltenham

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Watch 1998 Gold Cup winner Andrew Thornton talk you through his latest injury and why the new Betfair Doctor will be a great plus for all jockeys.

Andrew Thornton knows all about the highs and the lows of being a top jump jockey. He piloted Cool Dawn to victory in the 1998 Gold Cup, but he isn't be at the Festival this year after dislocating his shoulder in a fall at Kempton three weeks ago.

In fact, this is the latest in a catalogue of injuries he's sustained throughout his career - the list includes two broken arms, a broken leg, four metal plates and 31 metal screws.

So he more than most knows the benefit of the Injured Jockeys Fund and the deal with sports betting company Betfair to pay for a full-time doctor to work with the Professional Jockeys Association. This new position will ensure the proper diagnosis and rehabilitation of injuries - something 12-time Champion Jockey and PJA President, Tony McCoy, knows all about recently.

Andrew's List of Injuries:
5 x broken collar bones; 1 x broken leg; 2 x broken arms; 2 x broken ribs; 1 x chipped elbow; 1 x ruptured cruciate ligament; 1 x fractured ankle (during which he continued to ride); 1 x dislocated shoulder (that's dislocated backwards not forwards!).