Evangeline leading rider Thornton to remain sidelined

Evangeline Downs leading rider Timothy Thornton will be sidelined at least three more weeks as he continues to heal from an injury sustained at the Opelousas, La., track on June 1.

Thornton, who was thrown in the fourth race, was diagnosed with a non-displaced crack in his tibia, according to his agent, Anthony Martin. Surgery was not required, and Thornton is wearing a brace.

“He has an appointment in three weeks,” Martin said Thursday. “We’re hoping he gets clearance to ride.”

Thornton was injured on the Louisiana Legends card, which is the richest night of the season at Evangeline. The fourth race was an allowance and his mount, Geaux Maw P, was vanned off, according to the chart of the race. In the aftermath, officials believed Thornton escaped serious injuries.

Martin said X-rays following the race did not reveal Thornton’s injury, but an MRI on the following Monday provided an accurate diagnosis.

Thornton had a one-win advantage in the standings through Wednesday night, despite not riding since early June. He is a multiple title winner at Evangeline and is also the regular rider of Touchuponastar, who is the reigning Louisiana-bred of the Year.

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