MIDDLEHAM trainer Chris Thornton recently welcomed visitors to an open day at his new Sharp Hill Farm yard, owned by Peter and Kate Walton.

Thornton moved at the start of last year from Spigot Lodge, perched above Wensley, where he had trained since his days as assistant to the late, great Sam Hall.

He temporarily set up base at John Weymes' top yard nearer to Coverham, before moving to his new premises.

Kate Walton trains from part of the farm herself, originally as a permit holder, but during last year with a full public licence for the first time.

She is the daughter of Sam Hall and has known Thornton since the earliest days.

At Sharp Hill, Thornton has a newly fitted, airy American-style barn which includes an office high in the rafters and overlooking the boxes.

Each of the 27 boxes has self-filling, running water troughs and an easy-swing feed box in the wall, which stable staff told the D&S Times saved a lot of time.

After visitors had viewed the barn, a parade of many of the stable stars and newcomers was held.

These included a new Efisio filly, Molly, who may take over the high role of Flossy, Thornton's Doncaster November Handicap winner who is now off to stud having won more than £120,000 in her career.

Long-serving stable stalwart Alan Tipling showed the Sri Pekan bay yearling colt - now two years old, since January 1 is every thoroughbred's birthday. His dam is Fast Tempo, a Statoblest mare.

This is one of two youngsters which are offered for syndication for the 2002 flat season, the other being a bay filly by Piccolo out of a Forzando mare, again speedy breeding. Details from 01969 625446 or 623350.

A buffet lunch was served afterwards in the Middleham Key Centre, where former Thornton head man George Fowler, fellow trainer Sally Hall and many of Chris Thornton's owners were among the guests.