Macaw tips $20m Everest winner

Know nothing about horse racing? Never fear, a highly-intelligent macaw called “Bruce” has had its say on who will win the richest race on turf in the world.

Leave the form guide at home - a highly-intelligent bird has already predicted The Everest winner. And Ciaron Maher will be happy.

According to “Bruce”, a stunning blue-and-gold macaw, I Am Me is set to claim the $20 million event at Royal Randwick.

To help Bruce the winning horse, 12 numbered walnuts were placed on a table, representing each of the runners in Saturday’s race. The walnuts, which are (one of) Bruce’s favourite food, were laid out from left to right in order of the barrier draw.

The curious and diligent bird remained stationary for almost ten minutes while it considered its decision, at which point this journalist feared he may have already eaten lunch and would be a late scratching.

Bruce the Macaw chose who he thinks will win The Everest at Randwick this weekend. He chose number 5. Picture: Rohan Kelly

Thankfully, Bruce finally made up his mind and walked towards the far left, leaning down above barrier one, and picking up the “number five” walnut.

He is all-in on I Am Me, winner of its last two starts and ridden by Nash Rawiller, at the juicy odds of 15 to 1.

It’s hoped Bruce, owned by Doltone Hospitality Group chairman Paul Signorelli OAM, will go on to become Sydney’s version of Paul the Octopus. The German marine creature managed to successfully tip the winner of seven matches at the 2010 World Cup.

CEO of the Doltone House Group Paul Signorelli with Bruce the Macaw, who chose who he thinks will win The Everest at Randwick this weekend. He chose number 5. Picture: Rohan Kelly

Only time will tell if Bruce can tip winners, but his tips may end up being more reliable than some form experts.

The macaw declined to comment, despite being able to recite dozens of English words.