The days of the Sydney Opera House being used for commercial promotions may be over.

Racing New South Wales had to cancel plans to project the draw from the multi-million dollar Everest Horse Race on to the sails of the building last night.

Jimmy Barnes was one of hundreds of protesters who disrupted the plans, by projecting torches on to the building.

Australian correspondent Steve Price told Mike Yardley their stunt may stop similar promotions going ahead in the future.

"It's probably going to mean that the Opera House will not be used for commercial promotion again, even though it has been for things like the Wallabies and the Ashes Series cricket."

Much of the controversy has been behind the fact it was being used to promote gambling.

LISTEN TO STEVE PRICE TALK WITH MIKE YARDLEY ABOVE