The Racing Post/SIS Betting Shop Manager of the Year competition has reached another key milestone, with the Top 16 managers now confirmed.
Following mystery shopper visits to the Top 32 managers, the judges have identified the Top 16 managers who will continue their journey towards this year’s title.
Those successful managers will attend a day at the races in Nottingham on October 7, where they will meet the judges for the first time. Following this stage, the field will be narrowed to eight finalists.
Each finalist, accompanied by a key member of their shop team, will then travel to London for the final selection process. This includes a question-and-answer session with the judging panel ahead of the final awards lunch.
The competition will conclude in November when the 2026 Betting Shop Manager of the Year champion is crowned. The winner will also be invited to attend several major racing and betting industry events during their year as champion.
First held in 1988, the Racing Post/SIS Betting Shop Manager of the Year competition continues to recognise and celebrate the outstanding individuals at the heart of the betting shop industry.
Top 16 Managers
Aundrea Augustine, Paddy Power, Hounslow
Mark Boycott, Betfred, Reading
Nicola Connaughton, BoyleSports, Enfield, County Meath
Mark Drysdale, William Hill, Glasgow
Mark Fanning, BoyleSports, Thurles
Robert Fullard, William Hill, Sheffield
Gemma Grundon, Coral, Carlisle
Eleanor Matthews, BoyleSports, Denton
Emma Richards, William Hill, Codsall
Joe Robinson-Hale, William Hill, Liverpool
Katie Rolph, Betfred, Newmarket
Alexander Thomson, Betfred, Leicester
Simone Thorley, Jenningsbet, Cwmbran
Chris Vause, Coral, Goole
John Volney, Ladbrokes, Shaftesbury
Joanne Wilson, Paddy Power, Boston
