Thornton was furious with the ban

Jump jockey Andrew Thornton has failed in his bid to get a controversial 10-day ban overturned.

He is one of eight riders who will be forced to miss racing's busy festive programme - despite the sport suffering a shortage of riders.

Thornton, one of three jockeys to be punished after a race at Cheltenham's cross country track, has estimated the ban could cost him thousands of pounds.

Thornton, Warren Marston and Jason Maguire will be on the sidelines for 10 days from 26 December after taking the wrong course at the Gloucestershire venue.

The trio all cleared the double bank but then veered off-course. They then rejoined the rest of the field, which also incurred the wrath of the stewards.