A former regional journalist has made history after becoming a national tabloid’s first female horse racing correspondent.

Melissa Jones has been appointed racing correspondent and chief tipster at the Daily Express.

Melissa, pictured, began her career on the South Wales Argus in 2010 and started writing about the sport while also working as a news reporter.

She served as racing correspondent at the Gloucestershire Echo from 2014 to 2019, before joining the Daily Mirror and, more recently, the Express.

Melissa with retired racehorse Big Buck’s

During her career, Melissa has finished in the top three in the Racing Post Naps competition, which ranks regional and national journalists on the quality of their racing tips over the course of the season, on four occasions.

She told HTFP: “I’m delighted to be appointed racing correspondent and chief tipster at the Daily Express. It has always been a real honour to work in a sport I love.

“I’m excited to join the National Press Challenge alongside my esteemed industry colleagues and look forward to the challenge ahead.”