She has been called the "first female jockey" after she took part in a horse race at what is now York Racecourse in Knavesmire in 1804.

Thornton's father may have made watches in Norwich or have owned land in Essex and nothing is known of her mother.

[3] She challenged her sister's partner (brother-in-law) and neighbour Captain Flint to a horse race.

Thornton later said he believed it was 500 guineas and he had only claimed the 1,500 figure to attract a crowd.

She has been called the "first female jockey" after she took part in a horse race at what is now York Racecourse in Knavesmire.