Top jockey Robert Thornton is the face of the 2010-11 jump season at Kempton Park Racecourse.

Thornton, nicknamed Choc-olate, is helping to front some new initiatives for race fans to enjoy once the season kicks off on Sunday, October 17.

There will be jockey autograph and photo sessions, a horseracing masterclass, tipster forums, a walk of the final furlong and a behind the scenes look at Jump racing at Kempton Park.

Thornton, who is currently recuperating from an injury sustained in July, is best known as winner of the Champion Hurdle in 2008 and the Queen Mother Champion Chase in 2007, both at the Cheltenham Festival.

Thornton said: I look forward to being closely involved with the new initiatives being introduced and meeting many of the fans that come racing to the course. “ Legendary racehorse Kauto Star bids for a historic fifth successive victory in the King George VI Steeplechase on Boxing Day