Express race ace Melissa crowned UK's top tipster!

THE Daily Express has yet again proved itself a thoroughbred performer, after our racing expert Melissa Jones was crowned the UK’s best newspaper tipster.

- CHRIS RICHES

Melissa, tipping as The Scout, won a photo finish on the last day of the year to scoop the 2025 Racing Post National Press Challenge.

She was locked in a head-to-head battle with The Guardian in the final few months of last year, but showed the better stamina and consistency to pull clear in the closing stages.

The prestigious competition, featuring 11 top tipsters, spanned 2025 and was based on more than 9,600 selections — and despite repeatedly coming close, it’s the first time in 17 years that The Scout has won.

Yesterday, as she celebrated by heading to the Cheltenham course to study the form, Melissa told us it was a dream result after years of dedication.

Melissa, in her 30s, of Herefordshire, explained: "I’m so thrilled as this is the culmination of years of hard work in a field that I adore because horse racing is a wonderful sport and industry.

"Since I was 14 I have been fascinated by horses, their characters and personalities, the way they move, and just being around them and riding.

"From covering the Welsh Grand National years ago as a young reporter working in South Wales I feel so privileged to have seen and covered some major events in racing.