Career timeline
The story so far
From Champion Tipster to speaking in parliament
July
2018
Starting point
Joined the Racing Post
Started out as a journalist with the Post after completing the BHA Graduate Programme.
Instant Impact
A first front page, then another — within a month.
Secured my first and second Racing Post front page story just a month on from joining the company, forging a name immediately inside the newsroom.
Front page image
March 2020
Unprecedented Times
Featured as part of the Racing Post’s smaller team during the Covid-19 pandemic, reporting on one of the trickiest periods in the sport’s history from a total shutdown to a complicated return to full crowds.
November 2020
International Coverage
Represented the Racing Post for the first time abroad, covering the hugely prestigious Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe and then fast-emerging Bahrain International Trophy a month later.
December 2021
First Award Nomination
Picked up the first of three nominations for my writing, beginning with Emerging Talent at the Horserace Writers and Photographers Association awards.
Picked up the first of three nominations for my writing, beginning with Emerging Talent at the Horserace Writers and Photographers Association awards.
Major Story · April 2022
Cheltenham four-days
Produced a groundbreaking exclusive story detailing a proposal to extend the Cheltenham Festival to five days. Following this, a consultation was launched that summer but the plans were not brought into motion.
Story image
March 2023
Parliament debut
Spoke at the Senedd’s cross-party group for horse racing in Wales, highlighting the sport’s huge significance and potential growth within the sporting sphere.
Public voice
A moment that moved the work beyond reporting and into representing racing’s wider value.
Jan 2024
West Country
Gained a significant career milestone when taking the prestigious role of West Country correspondent, covering one of the largest and most successful training bases in global horse racing.
April 2024
Britain and Ireland's Champion Tipster
Became champion of the industry-wide Naps Competition as Racing Post West Country in the 2023-24 jumps season. I scooped the competition with a profit of £22.36 from a £1 stake, fending off the challenge of the best tipsters in the UK and Ireland despite being limited to only selections trained in my patch.
Racing Post West Country correspondent claims first prize
James Stevens, the Racing Post’s West Country correspondent, has been crowned champion in the 2023-2024 Coral-backed naps competition.
Stevens, who joined the Racing Post in 2018 and has covered the West Country since 2022, could tip only local runners but won with a profit of £22.36 to a £1 level stake.
He receives £4,000 after leading the contest for several weeks thanks to winning tips that included Chianti Classico in the Ultima Handicap Chase, Sans Bruit at the Grand National meeting and Redbridge Rambler at Ascot last month.
£22.36
profit from a £1 stake
“Winning it feels incredible.
“I’m a Newport County fan, so it’s not something I’m particularly used to!"
CELEBRATING THE RESULT
October 2024
Racing Postcast hosting
Appointed host of the long-standing Racing Postcast, one of the longest-running and popular horse racing shows and podcasts. I implemented my own stamp and changes on its format to drive progress.
RACING POSTCAST — VIDEO READY FOR YOUR CLIP
International Coverage
Wider horizons
After reporting on key races such as the Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe and Japan Cup, even more niche horizons were ventured when covering the Kazakhstan St Leger and racing in that emerging jurisdiction.
April 2026
New Venture
After eight years at the Racing Post I joined the LAB Racing team to switch into full-time broadcasting, specifically as a commentator.
The opportunity arose after Arthur Cooper spotted my potential as well as my lifelong ambition to commentate.