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Regional press racing tipster passes winning post

A regional press sports writer has been crowned the country’s top racing tipster for 2009, notching up a notable hat trick in the process.

Steve Simpson of the Blackpool Gazette overcame opposition from the rest of the national and regional media to win the 2009 Racing Post/Coral naps title for the flat by the wide margin of over £17 from his nearest rival.

Steve finished the flat season with a profit for a £1 level stake of £48.99, so retaining the trophy he won last year.

It was also his third triumph in the space of three years as Steve won the equivalent competition in the 2006-7 National Hunt season.

Said the 55-year-old: “I led for the last month or so in the table, but it was very nerve-wracking going into the last day even though my lead was £22 – a lot of the correspondents went for long odds outsiders in the big race, the Cesarewitch, to try and get past me in one big hit.

“So I was pleased when the red-hot favourite passed the post in first place, and I could breathe a huge sigh of relief.”

Steve pockets the first prize of £4,000, plus a commemorative trophy.

The presentation ceremony will take place at Doncaster racecourse on Saturday, Racing Post Trophy day, at the Town Moor track.