UPDATED: The Royal York does not admit horses, not even semi-famous ones

Even though we’ll be cheering for the Toronto Argonauts in Sunday’s Grey Cup, we half-hoped Calgary Stampeders fans would succeed in their plan to parade a horse through the posh lobby of the Fairmont Royal York Hotel. Stamps fans have been plotting to recreate a famous 1948 Grey Cup festival stunt, even though Fairmont officials maintained the exploit would post health and safety risks for both horse and guests. This morning, the determined Calgarians tried anyway, managing to get Marty, a lovely horse from Ontario, onto the sidewalk in front of the hotel. Ultimately, staff kept the doors locked, despite Marty’s best efforts to nose them open. Don’t feel too sorry for him, though, as he was welcomed inside (and lavished with attention) at First Canadian Place. [Toronto Star]

Update: After this morning’s excitement, the Royal York eased its anti-equine policy and invited Marty back to the hotel. He successfully crossed the threshold at 2 p.m.

(Images: Royal York, Tony Hisgett; Horse, Heather Moreton)