Thomas swaps the parade ring for boxing ring

He swaps his racing silks for boxing gloves tomorrow night when he steps into the ring to take part in a special charity night being staged in London by equine insurer Markel, the jockey’s long-term sponsor.

The benefits, say the 28-year-old, are two-fold. Proceeds will go to two charities – the Injured Jockeys’ Fund and Barnado’s – while the physical exertion has helped Thomas maintain his racing weight during the summer lull.

These have been challenging times for the 28-year-old, who rode the brilliant Denman to a stunning victory in the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup, steeplechasing’s blue riband race.

Since Thomas’s parting of the ways with champion jockey Paul Nicholls, he was unfairly blamed for the defeat of several high-profile horses and the opportunities have dried up – he rode just 30 winners last season compared to 88 in 2007-08 when Denman was at his brilliant best.

It also saw the jockey become a familiar face on Channel Four racing last season, presenting the Dark Horses feature that featured up-and-coming horses.

However, he hopes his boxing experience will give renewed impetus to a racing career that still has so much unfulfilled potential.

“I’m still 100 per cent committed to being a jockey rather than following other pursuits – although the TV work was nice, I’d rather be a jockey at this stage of my career,” said Thomas, one of the more polite and well-mannered members of the weighing room.

“Hopefully there will be new opportunities and, like everyone else, I want to ride as many winners as possible.

“The boxing training has been good. I’ve been using a gym that Felix de Giles, a fellow rider, used before his own charity bout.

“It was also used by many stable lads before their contests.

“We get to ride horses every day, we risk our necks, so getting in the ring is no big deal – I hope not.

“It’s all for very good causes and I certainly hope to continue. There are many similar muscles used in the training, particularly in the legs. Boxers, like jockeys, also need to keep their weight down so it’s been very good to do.

“As Denman is the best horse I’ve ridden, I’m borrowing his nickname, The Tank. It will be nice to do him justice.”

Neptune Investment Management is to spearhead a new ‘Road to the St Leger’ to further boost the growing profile of the Doncaster Classic. Already sponsors of two races at York including the Great Voltigeur Stakes, the firm will now support the Gordon Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.

The firm is headed by Robin Geffen, who co-owned 2010 Leger victor Arctic Cosmos.

He said: “The British racing programme is unique, as are its array of racecourses, and the trials in the build-up to the St Leger continue to gain popularity with both the horsemen and racing public alike.”

Mike Dillon, of Leger sponsors Ladbrokes, said: “We will be fully supportive of the initiative.”

St Leger second Camelot, who was denied the Triple Crown when beaten by this year’s Gordon Stakes runner-up Encke, is likely to bypass next month’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp.

As a three-year-old, Aidan O’Brien’s 2000 Guineas and Derby winner would only have to carry 8st 11lb – but there is little prospect of the trainer’s son Joseph, who rides Camelot, making the weight.

Evan Williams is keen to give Cappa Bleu another try at the John Smith’s Grand National after the gelding finished fourth in this year’s renewal.

The Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby on November 3 is one of the races the Welsh trainer might consider for the 10-year-old ahead of the Aintree spectacular in April.

North Yorkshire rider Amy Ryan moved to within one win of Darren Egan in the race to be champion apprentice after Palladius prevailed at Beverley yesterday.

However, Ryder Cup week got off to the worst possible start for golfer Lee Westwood; his Hoofalong, the odds-on favourite, could only finish fourth to Palladius.

Summer jumping over hurdles could be introduced at Chester, one of the tightest tracks in the country. Donald McCain will hold a schooling session at the Roodee circuit on Monday. However, the sharpness of the track’s bends remains the biggest concern.

Today’s Flat card at Redcar has been abandoned because of waterlogging.