Lambourn trainer Oliver Signy has set himself new targets for National Hunt season

OLIVER Signy has challenged himself to increase last season’s tally of winners as he embarks on his first full campaign as a National Hunt trainer.

Signy took out his racing licence in September 2019, but due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic he has yet to complete a full season.

So with this year starting on time, he is hoping to build on what he achieved last year.

“It is really exciting and we look forward to building on the winners and horses that we had last year.

“The winter horses have gone out for summer holiday’s now and they’ll begin their fitness work at the beginning of July.

“We’re really pleased with how the bumper horses we have will go novice hurdling and some of the horses that went hurdling will now go chasing next season.”

Dave And Bernie was Signy’s first runner of the season, finishing second at Warwick on Monday.

“We were really pleased with him, considering the ground had gone soft and we didn’t think that would suit him, but he handled it really well.

“It was a great one for our racing club to have and also get out there at the track now that they can go once again.

“It is an enjoyment for them to get out and see their horses,” admitted Signy. “Although it’s still under covid guidelines, at least you can see other people and see your horses as well as seeing live sport again which is really good.”

As he embarks on a full-season, Signy has explained what his ambitions are for the upcoming year.

“We’re looking to increase our winners from last year,” he said. “We had five winners and five second’s, so we want to increase that.

“Hopefully we should be able to do that with the horses that we have got coming through and we’re also looking for new owners and new horses so we can boost the numbers and statistics.”