Our Writers
Meet the team behind Paddock Punter. From paddock watchers to form students, our writers bring decades of combined racing experience.
Jack Heaton
260 articles
From a lineage of racehorse breeders, Jack Heaton is more than just a connoisseur of horse racing – it's in his blood. Having started as a promising jockey, a back injury pivoted his path, but not his passion. Though his days on the racetrack as a jockey may have been short-lived, Jack leveraged his knowledge and transitioned to become a cornerstone of his family's horse breeding business. Today, he generously lends his expertise to Paddock Punter, guiding readers through the intricate details of horse racing. Outside of his professional pursuits, Jack is a dedicated father to his two beloved children, Ally and Abby.
Paul Harrison
192 articles
Developing a love for racing at an early age, Paul's enthusiasm for sports and betting led him to Salford University, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Economics with a focus on Gambling Studies. After spending a decade working for a top bookmaker, Paul decided to strike out on his own and chase his dream career as a freelance writer. Over three decades after his first introduction to the Sport of Kings, his obsession with all things racing-related remains undimmed. When not poring over the racing form, you can find Paul walking his beloved dog or riding the rollercoaster of life as a Newcastle United fan.
Roger Thomas
124 articles
Hailing from the vibrant city of Liverpool, Roger Thomas brings two decades of experience as a sports blogger, specialising in the thrilling world of horse racing betting. Drawing inspiration from his grandfather's days at Aintree Racecourse, Roger's insights extend far beyond just the racetrack. He perfectly combines race-related wisdom with the rich traditions of his family, providing readers with unique perspectives. Beyond his work, Roger is a devoted husband and father of two, embodying a true testament to intertwining professional passion with personal commitment.
Jack Hartman
24 articles
A lover of all sports, Jack has spent the last decade covering some of the biggest and best events on the planet. Living and breathing sport every day, he loves nothing better than bringing the excitement of events to his readers.
Danny Callaghan
9 articles
Danny Callaghan grew up in a racing-mad household in Newmarket, where his father worked as a stable lad for three decades. After a brief stint as an amateur jockey — cut short by one too many collarbone fractures — he turned to writing, studying journalism at the University of Sheffield. Danny spent five years at the Racing Post before going freelance, covering everything from bumper meetings at Cartmel to Royal Ascot. Away from the track, he is an obsessive fly fisherman, a middling club cricketer, and keeps two retired racehorses on a smallholding in Suffolk. He insists his golden retriever, Frankel (named after you-know-who), is the best judge of character at any racecourse car park.
Tom O'Brien
2 articles
Born and raised in County Tipperary, Tom O'Brien grew up surrounded by jump racing. His family have been involved in point-to-pointing for three generations, and Tom spent his twenties working as a stable lad at several Irish yards before moving into sports journalism. He covers National Hunt racing with the passion of someone who's mucked out the stables.
Sarah Mitchell
0 articles
Sarah Mitchell is a lifelong horse racing enthusiast and animal welfare advocate. After studying Equine Science at the University of Nottingham, she spent several years working in thoroughbred aftercare before turning to racing journalism. Sarah brings a unique perspective to Paddock Punter, combining deep knowledge of horse welfare with insightful race analysis.