I’ve been in this game long enough to know the difference between a bit of fluff and a name worth noting. Punters ask me all the time what I make of Newsboy, the Daily Mirror’s racing tipster. You see his picks in the paper or online every day, but does he really deliver winners or is it just more noise in a very loud room?
Let’s cut through the nonsense. Newsboy has been tipping horses for years and has built a decent following. But what matters to me—and should matter to you—is not the profile, but the profit.
Is he consistent? Is there method in the madness? That’s where my eye comes in. I’ve tracked tipsters for decades, not by what they say, but by what their numbers tell you.
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Who Is Newsboy?
Newsboy is the racing tipster for the Daily Mirror, a position he’s held for a fair while. His real name is David Yates, and he’s not just some desk jockey—he’s been around racecourses, talked to trainers, and seen the inside of a paddock more times than most.
He puts out selections every day, covering UK horse racing cards with nap, next best, and a few extra fancies. You’ll find his picks in the Mirror’s print edition and online. But don’t confuse visibility with value. The job of a tipster isn’t to entertain—it’s to find angles the market hasn’t priced in. That’s where many fall short.
How Accurate Is Newsboy?
Now, here’s where I get a bit firm. I’ve tracked Newsboy’s tips over the years and while he does pick winners, the ROI isn’t consistently high. Some weeks are solid, others are forgettable. That’s the reality with most public-facing tipsters—they’re tipping for a mass audience, not for sharp punters.
His naps can land, and when they do, you’ll hear about it. But the trick is longevity. If you’re following anyone blindly, you’re going to get hurt. Newsboy does hit on value from time to time, especially with bigger-priced runners midweek. But for my money, he’s more useful as a form guide than a bankroll builder.
Should You Follow Newsboy’s Tips?
If you’re a casual punter looking for a bit of fun on a Saturday or a reason to back something in the 3:20 at Sandown, Newsboy is serviceable. He won’t lead you off a cliff, but he won’t always point you towards gold either. His style suits the everyday backer, not the professional.
I always say—use a tipster like a sat nav. Useful, but don’t switch off your own judgement. Read his logic, see if it lines up with your own view of the race, then decide. And whatever you do, never chase his losses. He has dry spells, like everyone.
FAQs About Newsboy Tipster
Is Newsboy a real person?
Newsboy is the pen name of David Yates, a racing journalist with the Daily Mirror. He’s been around the sport for years and knows his way around a racecard.
Does Newsboy make a profit?
Over time, he has his ups and downs. He’s not a consistent profit-maker like a private service might be, but he can spot value, especially with longer-priced runners. Don’t expect guaranteed profit if you’re blindly following.
Where can I find Newsboy’s tips?
You’ll find them in the Daily Mirror and on their website every day. He usually provides a nap, a next best, and a few extra picks across the main meetings.
Summary
Newsboy has been a staple of the UK horse racing tipping scene for years, and with good reason. He’s knowledgeable, experienced, and can pick a winner.
Like all public tipsters, he’s not infallible. If you’re using his tips as a guide—not gospel—you’ll get the most out of them. Just remember, the market moves fast and doesn’t care what anyone in a newspaper says.
As David Dooley, I’ve seen every type of tipster come and go. Newsboy’s still here because he adds something—but don’t expect miracles.