NOT PROFESSIONALS - JUST CHAMPIONS

How a retired DCI Met Police Superintendent who’s protected the Royal Family, an accountant, a financial inclusion officer, a former amateur jockey turned fresh food distributor, a retail manager and a process manager beat the biggest tipsters in the UK and Ireland.

You may have already heard that Racing Daily was recently crowned the 2025–2026 Racing Post Champion Press Tipsters, finishing top of a field of more than 50 tipsters. The competition features some of the most established names in British and Irish racing media—including a large contingent representing the Racing Post itself, alongside tipsters from major national publications such as the Daily Mail, Daily Express, and The Sun, as well as other high-profile industry-backed competitors including major bookmakers such as William Hill.

In a competition traditionally dominated by major media outlets, Racing Daily’s victory stands out—not just for the result, but for the story and the people behind it.

An Unconventional Team

Unlike many of their competitors, Racing Daily’s contributors are not full-time media professionals or industry insiders. Instead, the team is made up of individuals balancing everyday careers with their passion for racing:

• John Arnold – a retired senior Met Police officer who worked at Royal Ascot providing security for Her Majesty The Queen.

• Toby Darby – an accountant.

• Alan Morris – a financial inclusion officer.

• Liam Hall – a former young jockey now working in fresh food distribution.

• Paul Taylor – a process manager in the waste industry, whose brother drives for leading trainer Nicky Henderson.

• Sam King – a young Newmarket-based racing writer.

• Dafydd Lloyd – a retail manager.

They are joined by contributors Kieran McHugh, Dean Kilbryde, Matt Polley, Luke Tucker, and others—forming a diverse, passionate, and entirely voluntary team.

Doing It Differently

What sets Racing Daily apart is its approach.

The platform operates with:

• No subscription fees

• No paid tipping service

• No bookmaker affiliations

• No external financial backing

All content is produced voluntarily, driven purely by a shared love of horse racing.

Despite this, the team has often faced criticism—labelled as “amateurs” and dismissed on social media as the “do it for free brigade.” In some cases, they have even been criticised for tipping winners while choosing not to monetise their success.

A Community Achievement

Racing Daily’s rise from a one-man blog to a champion tipping platform reflects 14 years of steady growth and community support.

The organisation has extended its thanks to followers and contributors who have supported its journey, helping establish it as a trusted voice for racing fans across the UK and Ireland.

At the heart of the achievement is the team itself—individuals who dedicate their time and expertise voluntarily, united by a passion for the sport.

Quote - Rory Paddock

“This started as something to help me through a difficult time,” said Rory Paddock. “To see it grow into what it is today—and to win this as a team after last year’s personal success—means everything.

We’ve never had some financial powerhouse backing us, never charged for tips, and never tried to be anything other than racing fans sharing what we love.

To come out on top against some of the biggest names in the industry shows what passion and teamwork can achieve.”