Racing NSW in talks to project runners’ colours and numbers – but not logos – on to the bridge, one year after the Opera House row

One year on from the storm that erupted over Racing NSW’s decision to beam the barrier draw of the Everest horse race on to the sails of the Sydney Opera House, plans to beam images on to the Harbour Bridge have now been revealed.

The New South Wales racing body is working with the government on the proposal to mark the coming Everest on the famous bridge, a spokeswoman for Transport NSW said on Saturday.

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“Discussions have included the projection of the runners’ colours and numbers on the southern pylon of the bridge, and the use of the lighting already installed from Vivid,” she said.

“There will be no logos projected on to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The final proposal requires approval by Heritage NSW.”

The discussions come after last year’s push to beam the barrier draw on to the sails of the Opera House triggered public protests and a fiery phone call between 2GB breakfast program host Alan Jones berated the Opera House chief executive, Louise Herron.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest A protest being held last year against the move to use the Opera House to promote a horse race. The Harbour Bridge seen in the background could end up as the new projection point. Photograph: Paul Braven/AP

Jones criticised Herron on air, calling for her sacking when she resisted the promotion, saying the building was “not a billboard”.

“We have a policy that protects our world heritage status,” Herron told Jones during the hostile interview.

“So they’re going to damage it are they?” Jones retorted. “We own the Opera House. Do you get that message? You don’t. You manage it.”

However, the NSW premier, Gladys Berejiklian, stepped in and allowed the horse racing advertising to be projected on to the building.

The draw for the $14m race event is expected to be projected on to the bridge on 15 October.