Economists have retrospectively credited the Les Bridge-trained mare Hot Danish with single-handedly propping up the disposable income of thousands of Australian punters throughout the late 2000s, a feat that has now prompted the two-time Group 1 winner’s posthumous recognition with one of the nation’s highest honours.

A government-commissioned study into Australia's economic growth found Hot Danish to be significantly more stimulating to the economy than former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's $900 cash splash, and only marginally less effective than the mining boom, ultimately recommending that the sprinter be acknowledged with an Order of Australia Medal.

“They just kept putting up silly odds... Everyone was on. It was like printing money, she was a genuine ATM job,” said a Sydney-based government spokesperson with knowledge of the situation.

Winning 16 of her 31 career starts, Hot Danish captured the collective hearts of everyday Australians with her bombproof racing style and, despite her extreme consistency, often criminally overlooked starting prices, including during a six-start winning streak across 2006, 2007 and 2008.

The daughter of Nothin’ Leica Dane’s breakthrough Group 1 victories in 2010 saw her legion of fans once again rewarded with typically fat collects, jumping at $6.00 and $5.50 respectively in the G1 All Aged Stakes and G1 Doomben 10,000.

It is just the second time a thoroughbred racehorse has been awarded an Order of Australia, following Banna Strand’s recognition for services to Exploration & Audience Engagement in 2011.

More to follow.