Sydney Royal Easter Show: Horse named Vegemite set to break history in the back seat of a Mercedes
A horse named Vegemite is set to break history in the back seat of a Mercedes car for Australia’s largest agricultural show.
The gelding travelled more than 400 kilometres for the Sydney Royal Easter Show, where he will feature as a passenger in Dave Manchon’s car.
“We’re really looking forward to showing people what’s possible with horses,” the Rooftop Express Show director told AAP.
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Vegemite is one part of the stunt group from Tamworth in central NSW.
A herd of 35 stampeding bison, 12 saddle horses and 16 ponies will feature in regular performances at the Sydney Showgrounds stadium, usually the preserve of AFL footballers.
Elsewhere in the showgrounds, more than 13,000 animals of 400 breeds will interact with the expected bumper crowds.
Mr Manchon said the Royal Easter Show was a unique event that brought Australian agriculture to the heart of a major city.
“What a privilege it is to showcase some of our outback animals here in the big smoke,” he said.
Farmhand Melissa Stubbs helped transport 85 goats, 10 pigs, a donkey and a horse about 900km from Ipswich, in southeast Queensland, to Sydney for the event.
The animals are part of the show’s nursery, where visitors can snuggle with a baby goat.
“The animals are my pride and joy - just seeing the smiles they give people and the happiness,” Ms Stubbs said.
Along with lumberjacks’ regular woodcutting demonstrations, firefighters will set up controlled burns to show how quickly fires can spread.
Showgoers will also be guided through rescue and recovery operations.
“Our interactive display allows visitors to meet real firefighters and get up close to our specialist trucks, tools and equipment,” Fire and Rescue NSW commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said.
More than 870,000 visitors are expected through the gates of the 12-day show - one of Australia’s largest annual ticketed events.
There are hundreds of free entertainment options included in show entry, general manager Murray Wilton said.
“We’re encouraging everyone to come on down, escape the everyday, and immerse themselves in everything that makes the show special - the hardworking farmers who produce our food and fibre, exciting rides, competitions, and family traditions,” he said.
The event, beginning on Friday, runs until April 22.
