Ladies first in 8 to Follow

London-based Jesse leads the competition and the race to win the £10,000 first prize, setting the pace from fellow female entrants Harriet Coulson and Wanda Marshall. Last year's joint runner-up, Tristan Wootton, is doing best of the men in fourth place.

Jesse, who recently finished a law degree, had a simple strategy for picking her stable - get advice from others. She says: "My dad used to run a betting shop in Birkenhead [near Liverpool], while my boyfriend, Henry, loves racing. So I spoke to Dad and some of his friends, and with advice from about 20 scousers I came up with eight horses.

"I transferred two out [Saunter and New Hope] in mid-summer because I didn't think they were doing too well, and that has helped [she brought in Katie's Diamond and La Rioja].

"It's a real surprise to be on top of the table, but I don't expect it will last."

Jesse's string, which includes her main points scorer Arod, has amassed 305 points, just five points more than Harriet's.

The full table can be viewed at www.8tofollow.co.uk - or you can click on any 8 to Follow logo on this website.