A racehorse known as Austrian Painter is to be renamed Merrylegs after The Jockey Club ruled the name was ineligible due to an alleged reference to Adolf Hitler. The decision follows a formal complaint received earlier this week, prompting an immediate review by the Registry.
The horse's name drew attention after it won its debut race on Monday at Horseshoe Indianapolis Racecourse. The Jockey Club stated on Wednesday that the name was deemed offensive under Rule 6.F.9.d, which prohibits names likely to be offensive or threatening based on factors including politics and national origin.
Owner and breeder Scott Herbertson commented on social media that the name was intended as a reference to Austrian painter Gustav Klimt. He also noted that his filly, originally named New Order, was named after his favourite band.