SYDNEY, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- A dispute has embroiled the Sydney Opera House as to whether promotion for a horse race should be projected onto it's iconic white sails, with the prime minister and state premier weighing in on Sunday in support of the idea.
A number of prominent parties clashed last week regarding whether jockey numbers and branding for the country's richest horse race, should be projected onto the heritage listed sails, or whether the building's status would be cheapened by promoting a sport which centers on gambling.
In the past the Opera House has been used to project colours and images, marking events, from sports matches to religious holidays, as well as the annual Vivid light and sound festival.
However when a prominent radio broadcaster called for the sacking of Opera House chief executive Louise Herron for her refusal to project the branding and race results, vested interests and onlookers alike spoke up.
"Why not put it on the biggest billboard Sydney has?" Prime Minister Scott Morrison asked.
State Premier Gladys Berejiklian is also in favour of promoting the event, overruling the Opera House administration, to dictate that colours, numbers and an image of the race trophy will be projected to mark next week's race.
Many believe, however, that the Opera House's image will be cheapened' by going ahead with the plan, taking to social media to voice their dissatisfaction and organising online protest groups.
At this stage Berejiklian said that both sides have reached a compromise and a modified version of the display will be used.
