RICHMOND has lost Brett Deledio and Ivan Maric for tonight’s clash against Carlton, but is now reeling from a bigger late withdrawal — horses.

In a live animal proposal not seen since the Brisbane Lions floated towing a caged live lion around the Gabba, Richmond was planning to have four horses gallop around the MCG before tonight’s season-opening blockbuster against the Blues. All while Daryl Braithwaite belted out his 1990 anthem.

Stirring stuff.

Alas, the Herald Sun has been told there was too much horsing around at a pre-match entertainment rehearsal yesterday for the plan to proceed.

It’s understood the horses, ridden one-handed by “jockeys” holding flags, refused to stick to the strip of fake turf that hugs the fence — a real no-no for the custodians of the hallowed turf.

Worse still, the horses weren’t shy in making deposits on the ground either. If you thought exposed metal stakes at ANZ Stadium was bad, imagine Dustin Martin getting tackled face-first into manure.

Braithwaite is warming up here at the MCG ahead of the first bounce. He will sing pre-game in what the Tigers hope will spark a mass karaoke performance.