Oliver hoping for future link-ups with Valor Trainer Andy Oliver hopes he has cemented a lasting relationship with powerful American-based syndicate Team Valor. The County Tyrone-based handler trained the popular Panama Hat for Barry Irwin's operation. The six-year-old memorably won five handicaps in a row in the summer of 2014 before he progressed to victories at Listed and Group Three level. He was also second in the 2015 American St Leger. Panama Hat was recently retired due to injury, but Oliver hopes to train for the owners again in the future. He said: "I sold Team Valor a filly, Miss Singsix, who went to California and won a Graded race over there. First Cornerstone (who won the Group Two Futurity Stakes in 2012) was the first time they were involved in my yard. "They were thrilled with Panama Hat's comeback run when second at Naas in July after two years off, but unfortunately the leg didn't hold out. "The last conversation suggested there would be something in the future." Oliver, who recently upgraded his facilities, currently has 20 horses in training, but has the capacity for up to 80. He says: "We are down on numbers this year because of all the work we have done - my mind has been concentrating on doing all that. I would hope to build it up now. "We did have a taste of competing at a high level and would like more of that. "We would like to win a Grade One and a Group One but every winner is a good winner and it is important to be able to train what you are given."
