Movie star mule moves to the forest

Darkes Forest resident Julie Reid wanted to give her riding school business a boost – so she decided to enlist the help of a movie star.

A member of the cast of the eagerly anticipated Baz Luhrman epic Australia – which also stars Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman – Quart Pot the mule is sure to become a star attraction at the northern suburbs property.

An auction of animals that had starred in the film was held in March – and Ms Reid was quick to purchase the handsome eight-year-old cross between a horse and a donkey.

However, due to filming commitments, Quart Pot wasn’t able to move to his new Darkes Forest home until recently.

“He had filming obligations, so he was just released to me now,” Ms Reid said last week, adding that Quart Pot was more than just a pretty face.

“I think they trained him up for the movie – they said he played one of the main parts.

“He does tricks and can lie down on command – he will be a real drawcard for the business.”

Ms Reid said Quart Pot, who cost her more than $3000, has a placid, good-natured temperament.

“He is quiet and gentle and is also very well-travelled,” she said.

“He has been everywhere, all over the country.”