In 2017, Thornton returned to his Louisiana roots to ride the Thoroughbred meets between Delta Downs and Evangeline Downs where he has had great success winning multiple leading rider titles.

Free Drop Maddy (USA) 9-2 (8-6) Inside, gaining, 4th of 8, 3 3/4l behind Six String (8-2) at Evangeline Downs 5f gd in Jul. Manama Gold (USA) 13-2 (8-8) Hopped start, gave way, last of 8 ...

at Evangeline Downs 6f fst in Jul. Secret Rendezvous (USA) 15-2 (8-7) Shuffled st,sted3/16, 9th of 10, 8 1/4l behind Wissam Sharaf (8-12) at Horseshoe Indianapolis 1m gd in Jul. Bamby Boom (USA ...