Sydney Opera House 'advertising' sparks uproar

SYDNEY - A government push to use the Sydney Opera House's sails to advertise a horse racing event over the wishes of the building's management has sparked uproar among many Australians over the commercialization of an iconic landmark.

The A$13 million ($10 million) Everest race, which boasts the world's biggest turf race prize, is due to take place in Sydney next week and organizers are pushing to promote it on the white wings of the Opera House.

Amid protracted negotiations, the state government stepped in late on Friday to force the management to allow for the race's trophy, colors and numbers to be projected onto the white wings of the structure early next week.