Charlie Longsdon made big strides in the National Hunt world last season – and now he’s targeting a first half-century of winners.

After exceeding his own expectations with a personal best 44 winners last term, the Chipping Norton handler has already rattled up 17 this season – with six coming in the past week.

With the campaign about to move up a gear, Longsdon welcomed around 400 visitors to an open day at his Hull Farm Stables on Sunday.

And speaking afterwards, he said: “We want at least 50 winners this season, definitely.

“Hopefully we will have a couple more. The mark of a good season is having as many winners as horses you have.

“If we play our cards right there is no reason why we can’t have 60 winners.”

Longsdon was delighted by the turn-out, which saw jumps fans travelling from as far and wide as Southampton and Pembrokeshire.

“I couldn’t believe how many people turned up,” he said. “I was really excited how many there were.”

Visitors were treated to a schooling session with jockeys Felix de Giles and Kielan Woods popping Stongbows Legend, Restezen D’Armor, Rey Nacarado and Brother Bob over a series of obstacles.

Longsdon then paraded almost 60 horses in the main yard.

They included the highly-regarded Hidden Keel, who is due to reappear in an intermediate chase at Carlisle on Sunday, October 30.

“It’s a big year for him,” said the 35-year-old trainer. “Depending on how he goes, he could go for a decent Listed chase at Ascot or the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon.”

Paintball, who will be aimed at the top two-mile handicap hurdles, could have a spin on the Flat at Nottingham next Wednesday, provided the ground isn’t too fast, or may head for Aintree on Saturday, October 22.

Hildisvini has the option of going down the Pertemps Hurdle route, or novice chasing.

Longsdon is particularly sweet on Hazy Tom, who made an impressive reappearance in a National Hunt Flat Race at Worcester on Friday.

It capped a mixed day for the yard after Vincitore landed a beginners’ chase by a short head, before popular veteran Lord Jay Jay was fatally injured in a fall at the fourth-last fence in a two-mile handicap chase when looking set for victory.

“It was horrible,” said Longsdon. “JJ was a lovely horse and an absolute star. He will be sadly missed.”

Also on parade were Lady Karinga, Qhilimar and Crystal Prince, who gave Longsdon his first treble on the same card at Newton Abbot earlier in the week, while Magnifique Etoile stepped out fresh from landing a National Hunt Flat Race in terrific style at Market Rasen on Saturday.