Sydney – In the race to find an Australian role model that has demonstrated hard work, grit and honesty in the last year, one Aussie paper has decided the only one in the running, is a horse.
Finding a dearth of idols in the two-legged sporting, political, cultural or academic worlds, The Daily Telegraph on Thursday named champion thoroughbred Winx its own "Australian of the Year".
"Has the nominee lived by the Australian values of fair play and civility?" the paper asked, beginning a long list of requisite qualities to earn the title.
The Sydney paper said the horse – which has won dozens of races and is expected to soon retire – was the only Australian that met the winning criteria.
The honour was not "bestowed lightly", the paper said.
The announcement comes the day before an annual award ceremony to name the official Australian of the Year, a major event that takes place on the eve of Australia Day, January 26.
The eight 2019 nominees – all human – include Richard Harris, who worked to rescue 12 Thai kids trapped in a cave, multiple medal winning Paralympian Kurt Fearnley, and social activist Bernadette Black.
Previous winners include Nobel prize winning scientists and Paul "Crocodile Dundee" Hogan.
?? WINX IN NUMBERS ??
— World Horse Racing (@WHR) January 24, 2019
This is why @Winx_Horse is the world's best ??
Check out the incredible average speeds during her 2018 @CoxPlate win ? pic.twitter.com/ryqkKl2Ifi
*Flash forward to Australia Day where Winx wins Australian of the Year and the horse walks up to the podium*
— Sam Murden (@MrSamMurden) January 24, 2019
Winx: "We need to change the date of Australia Day, bring on a treaty, Up the Republic and deliver a High Speed Rail!"
The horse is pulled away by Morrison#auspol pic.twitter.com/7vd5h31pcX