The short version
- The US Jockey Club ruled that the name Austrian Painter was ineligible due to its association with Adolf Hitler via internet slang.
- The horse’s full sister, named New Order, must also be renamed because the phrase can refer to Nazi geopolitical plans.
- The owner suggested the names honored artist Gustav Klimt and a British rock band, but regulators rejected these explanations.
A two-year-old thoroughbred racehorse has been forced to change its name following a regulatory determination that its original moniker violated standards regarding offensive political references. The US Jockey Club, the governing body for American horse racing, issued the order after receiving a formal complaint about the animal, which had recently competed in its debut at Horseshoe Indianapolis. The decision highlights the organization’s ongoing efforts to enforce naming conventions that prohibit titles deemed threatening or offensive based on factors including politics and national origin.
The horse was originally registered as Austrian Painter. While the owner, Scott Herbertson, indicated on social media that the name was intended to honor the renowned Austrian artist Gustav Klimt, regulators concluded otherwise. The Jockey Club’s registrar determined that the name is widely recognized in online discourse as a euphemism for Adolf Hitler. This slang term is frequently used by individuals attempting to discuss the former dictator while evading content moderation filters on various digital platforms. Because Hitler was born in Austria and worked as an artist in Vienna before World War I, the connection between the historical figure and the name has become entrenched in certain internet subcultures.
The regulatory body cited Rule 6.F.9.d in its decision, which explicitly bans names that are likely to be offensive or threatening. The rule covers a broad spectrum of protected categories, including race, religion, politics, and national origin. In a statement released on Wednesday, the Jockey Club emphasized that it takes such matters seriously and acts promptly upon receiving notifications of potential violations. The organization noted that the review process began immediately after the complaint was filed, resulting in the determination that the name was ineligible for registration.
The controversy extends beyond the single racehorse. The Jockey Club also ordered that the animal’s full sister, currently named New Order, must undergo a similar renaming process. While New Order is famously known as the title of a prominent British rock band, the phrase also carries significant historical weight. It refers to the geopolitical plan devised by Nazi Germany for the reorganization of Europe during World War II. Herbertson had previously posted on social media expressing his preference for the music group, but the regulatory body did not accept this explanation as sufficient to override the historical associations of the term.
The horse’s new registered name is Merrylegs. This change ensures that the animal can continue to compete under a title that complies with current registry standards. The incident underscores the delicate balance regulators must maintain between artistic expression, personal preference, and public sensitivity. While owners often choose names based on family history, artistic inspiration, or pop culture references, those choices are subject to review if they trigger complaints from the public or stakeholders within the industry.
This is not an isolated instance of regulatory intervention in horse naming. The Jockey Club has a precedent for ordering name changes when titles are found to be problematic. In 2019, a horse named Noose was renamed Scabbard after regulators determined the original title was inappropriate. That decision followed similar concerns about offensive connotations, specifically related to racial insensitivity. These cases illustrate the evolving nature of acceptable terminology within the sport and the regulatory body’s willingness to enforce updated standards.
The process for renaming a horse involves administrative steps that can impact breeding records and racing statistics. Once a name is changed, all future official documents, race programs, and pedigree listings must reflect the new title. This ensures consistency across the industry and prevents confusion among bettors, journalists, and fans. The Jockey Club’s registry maintains these records to preserve the integrity of the sport’s history while adapting to contemporary social norms.
The incident has sparked discussion within the racing community about the clarity of naming guidelines. Some observers note that the reliance on online slang trends can make it difficult for owners to anticipate which names might be flagged. However, regulators argue that they must respond to how names are perceived in the broader cultural context, not just the intent of the breeder. As digital communication continues to shape language and reference, the Jockey Club faces the ongoing challenge of interpreting rules in a rapidly changing informational landscape.
Looking ahead, the focus will shift to the performance of the horse, now known as Merrylegs, on the track. The name change does not affect the animal’s eligibility to race or its standing in breeding programs. For owners and breeders, the case serves as a reminder to conduct thorough research before submitting names for registration. It also highlights the importance of understanding both historical context and modern digital culture when selecting titles for thoroughbreds.
The Jockey Club has not indicated whether further penalties will be imposed on the owner beyond the mandatory name change. The primary goal of the regulation is to ensure that all registered animals have names that are appropriate for public consumption. As the industry continues to navigate issues of sensitivity and representation, these regulatory actions set precedents that may influence future naming decisions across the sport.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian US↗US Jockey Club orders racehorse Austrian Painter to be renamed due to Hitler reference
