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Jockey Club Renamed Horse After Complaint

The registration body changed an offensive horse name that referenced Nazi history following a formal review.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Equestrian

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The Jockey Club has officially renamed two racehorses, including a 2-year-old colt, following complaints regarding offensive historical references in their original names. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should private organizations proactively change names that may be considered offensive?

The Jockey Club has officially renamed a 2-year-old colt from Austrian Painter to Merrylegs after determining the original name violated conduct rules. The organization also removed the name New Order from a 2025 filly.

Why it matters

The changes followed a formal complaint identifying the names as offensive references to Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime. The Jockey Club maintains strict guidelines prohibiting names that are deemed threatening or disparaging.

The Registrar applied Rule 6.F.9.d to the 2-year-old colt and a 2025 filly. The rule explicitly prohibits any names considered to be offensive or threatening to the public.

The players

The Jockey Club

This is the primary governing body for the registration of Thoroughbred horses in the United States.

Adolf Hitler

He was the dictator of Germany who rose to power in 1933 and orchestrated the Holocaust.

The details

The Jockey Club determined that the name Austrian Painter served as a euphemism for Adolf Hitler, who rose to power in 1933. The name New Order was likewise flagged for its association with the socio-political system of Nazi Germany.

Timeline

  1. 1933: Adolf Hitler rose to power in Germany.

  2. 1940s: The Holocaust occurred.

  3. 1980: The band New Order was formed.

  4. September 21, 2026: The horse won a race under the name Austrian Painter.

  5. September 23, 2026: The Jockey Club officially announced the name change.

Season Trajectory

The enforcement of Rule 6.F.9.d reflects an ongoing industry effort to standardize naming conventions and prevent reputational damage to the sport. This precedent impacts how future registrations are vetted to ensure alignment with contemporary social sensitivities.

The change means that any race records for the 2-year-old colt will now reflect the name Merrylegs. Breeders and owners must ensure future naming submissions comply with these established conduct guidelines to avoid retroactive administrative changes.

The takeaway

Naming conventions in organized sports continue to evolve to reflect broader historical and social awareness. Owners should exercise caution when selecting names to avoid potential regulatory rejection based on modern sensitivities.

Further reading

For more on industry governance, visit the Equestrian section.

Live Poll

Should private organizations proactively change names that may be considered offensive?