Signy relishing fences for No Word Of A Lie

OLIVER SIGNY celebrated a welcome first winner of the season when No Word Of A Lie took the novice hurdle by a commanding eight lengths.

The five-year-old led early and went clear under Jack Andrews. It was a deserved success as No Word Of A Lie had finished second three times in his five previous starts and Signy told Sky Sports Racing: “It’s really nice to finally get his head in front. He’s been so consistent and really unlucky a few times in bumpers.

“It’s all finally falenl into place and it’s great for him and the owners to get the win. It will be exciting when he goes over fences.”

It was a first win at the track for the Lambourn-based trainer, who sent out his first runners in November 2019.

Andrews experienced a day of mixed fortunes as he was later unseated from Signy’s Lawd Dylan in the closing bumper, the four-year-old stumbling on the home turn.

El Jefe on top

William Shanahan claimed his first British winner under rules 12 months ago for trainer Andrew Hamilton, and the pair teamed up once more to strike with El Jefe in the 2m1f handicap hurdle.

The four-year-old, who switched to Hamilton’s yard in August after a luckless spell for Brian Ellison, was landing his first race.