DAVE Keena was a runaway winner of the Ladbrokes Naps Table for 2025.

The freelance journalist from Trim in Co Meath went into the final weekend almost €25 clear of the field and went further ahead when his final selection, Cousin Kate (9/4) won at Limerick on St Stephen’s Day.

A few tipsters went for outsiders in the Paddy Power Chase the following day but nobody had picked 66/1 winner Favori De Champdou, meaning Dave was officially champion.

“It’s great to win it, “ he told us. “It keeps you engaged all year and it’s a thrill to beat your peers. It’s almost 25 years since I walked out of my job to become a racing journalist and I’ve never regretted it.”

Appropriately, two winners at Dave’s local track Navan helped him to victory. “Answer To Kayf (11/1) winning the Troytown put me in front and then Soloman Lane (22/1) winning in December sealed it,” he said.

“I couldn’t believe the price. I was working as MC at Navan on the day and tipped the horse to some lunch guests before racing. His trainer Martin Hassett had an earlier winner on the card and told everyone over the PA that he fancied Soloman Lane, but the price kept going out.”

Dave reminded us that he could have won the naps table by an even bigger margin as he picked 12/1 winner A Law Of Her Own at Thurles on the day after Cheltenham but the email never arrived.

“Value is key,” he said. “The late David Power once told me that a nap is the best horse in the worst race, something I never forgot. Ted Walsh also told me you should never nap a horse you wouldn’t back yourself, so you’ll never see me tipping a hot favourite.”