Scout scoops top tipster prize

DAILY EXPRESS racing ace Melissa Jones has been crowned the best newspaper tipster in the country.

- JASON HEAVEY

Melissa, tipping as The Scout, has won the 2025 Racing Post National Press Challenge.

The prestigious competition, comprising 11 of the UK's top tipsters, spanned the whole of last year and was based on more than 9,600 selections, including 25-1 winner Time For Sandals (left).

Melissa was the first female to become The Scout when she was appointed the paper's Chief Tipster in 2022. She is also Racing Correspondent for the paper.

Tipsters are ranked by return on a theoretical £1 bet on all selections at their starting price (SP), expressed as a percentage of turnover.

Melissa was locked for most of the year in a head-to-head battle with The Guardian but showed the better stamina and consistency to pull clear in the closing stages.