A broadcast journalist saw off the challenge of seasoned punters to win a tipping contest at Warwick Racecourse. 

Touch FM’s Lindsey Alder claimed victory in the Qatar Airways May Racing Carnival Media Tipping Contest.

Lindsey’s two big winners were Easy Street trained by Jonjo O’Neil at 16-1 and Nicky Henderson’s Cultivator at 12-1 – which saw her top the table ahead of horse racing experts from across the UK following the fourth and final fixture of the carnival.

Armed forces charity 353 will receive a funding boost from Lindsey’s win, after she chose to donate her £500 winnings to the trust.

353 charitable trust is inspired by Conrad Lewis, who became the 353rd soldier to be killed in Afghanistan.

His parents Tony Lewis and Sandra Lewis set up the charity in memory of Conrad and aims to give long-term support to soldiers and their families.

Lindsey opted to regularly back Warwickshire-based trainer Dan Skelton in the competition, with the racecourse ambassador delivering consistent results.

Harry and Dan Skelton enjoyed a successful season at Warwick, being named top jockey and top trainer respectively with 12 winners each.

Lindsey said: "I'm really chuffed to have won the contest – it’s a shame I don't have similar luck when I actually go to the races!

“My betting tip is to choose the names you like and back local trainers the Skeltons!

“I’m delighted to be able to donate my winnings to soldier charity 353. I've known the Lewis family since the death of Conrad in 2011 and the work they've done in his memory is absolutely inspiring."

353 charitable trust is based in Claverdon, Warwick, and Tony explained how the funds will help the people that the charity serves.

He said: “We’re absolutely delighted with the donation and we are always humbled that people would do these things for our charity.

“We have committed funds to the 353 Wellbeing fund which is held by Support Our Paras. It is to help potential emerging mental health issues with the veterans of Afghanistan.

“It’s a big problem and there is not enough funding for it, so every penny of this donation will go to supporting the mental health of veterans.”

The close of the Qatar Airways May Racing Carnival marked the end of another successful season at the racecourse with attendances up by more than five per cent - more than 40,000 people came through the turnstiles, including over 14,000 in the May Racing Carnival alone.

Overall prize money was also up by £200,000 to £1.3million, and the season also saw the construction of the new entrance and Coronation Club at the racecourse.

Andre Klein, general manager at Warwick Racecourse, said: “We would like to congratulate Lindsey on winning the media tipping contest and to donate £500 to a fantastic charity like 353 is the perfect way to top off a memorable season.

“We’ve had some true highlights this year and looking back, Bryony Frost riding Milansbar to win the Betfred Classic Chase has to be the big one.

“But commercially it has been a great year too, attracting sponsorship from the likes of Qatar Airways and Hook Norton Brewery.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has joined us for a race day over the course of the season and we look forward to welcoming you back to Warwick Racecourse for our Grand Season Opener on September 25.”

To find out more about Warwick Racecourse visit www.warwickracecourse.co.uk