LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Jockey Club has decided to rename the racehorse formerly known as Austrian Painter to Merrylegs following an investigation into a complaint that the name was linked to Adolf Hitler. The horse attracted scrutiny after winning its first race on Monday at Horseshoe Indianapolis Racecourse. Given Hitler’s Austrian background and his early career as an artist before leading the Nazi Party in Germany, the name raised concerns.
In a statement, the Jockey Club explained that the name violated Rule 6.F.9.d, which bans names “likely to be offensive or threatening” based on attributes such as race, religion, politics, or national origin. Scott Herbertson, the owner and breeder, took to social media to clarify that the name was intended to reference Austrian painter Gustav Klimt. He also noted that another of his horses, initially named New Order, was inspired by his favorite band—though “New Order” is also historically associated with the Nazis’ strategy for European occupation.
The Jockey Club confirmed that the filly, a full sister to Merrylegs, has since been left without an official name. They emphasized the importance of addressing these issues seriously and thanked those who brought the matter forward.
Fan Take: This incident highlights the importance of careful vetting when naming racehorses, reminding fans and officials alike of the impact a name can have beyond the track. Ensuring that names respect broad social sensitivities helps maintain the sport’s integrity and fosters an inclusive environment for all enthusiasts.
Source: www.espn.com
