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Betting has been suspended on The Everest after a behind closed doors barrier draw due to fears of the event being disrupted by Opera House protests.

Racing NSW stewards conducted the barrier draw for Saturday's $13 million race at 12 noon in preparation for this evening’s historic event that will see Everest images and the racing colours of the runners projected on to the Opera House sails with their barrier number.

Approval for the imagery display on the Opera House has created a storm of protest that Racing NSW feared could spill over and disrupt the barrier draw as a live event tonight.

To alleviate this threat Racing NSW made the decision to conduct the draw prior to the event to circumvent any security risks that may exist.

The results of the barrier draw have been held in confidence by Racing NSW stewards to ensure they are not publicly known until announced this evening.

To avoid any perceived integrity risk, Racing NSW has determined that all betting on the Everest be suspended from 12 noon until the final barriers have been publicly displayed this evening.

Racing NSW stewards shall advise all wagering operators when they may recommence betting on the event.