Pig racing and diving will not be at this year’s Royal Adelaide Show

The beloved Royal Adelaide Show attraction of racing and diving pigs will not be held this year – but there’ll still be other pigs at the Covid-safe event.

One of the Royal Show’s most popular attractions – the pig racing and diving – will be sidelined this year because of Covid-19.

Michael Vandeleur, who guides his animals around the racetrack and into their pool, decided not to join the show circuit amid uncertainty and border controls brought on by the pandemic.

Royal Adelaide Show general manager Michelle Hocking said while it was disappointing the pigs wouldn’t be able to amuse showgoers, they were expected to return in 2022 after a rest this year.

“We’re disappointed that it won’t be here because we conduct research every year at The Show and the pig racing and diving rates in people’s top three experiences,” she said.

Pig racing at the Royal Adelaide Show in previous years.

Only the fireworks display and the fast cars and motorbikes in the main arena rate higher in popularity among showgoers.

Ms Hocking said visitors could still see pigs at the pig pavilion and farmyard nursery. Tickets for the September 4-12 event went on sale on Monday.

Up to 50,000 people will attend at any one time, with a range of measures in place to keep it Covid-safe, such as wider aisles in pavilions, QR codes at entry points, extra cleaning and hand sanitation stations.