The US Jockey Club has ordered a racehorse named 'Austrian Painter' to be renamed, ruling that the animal's name was a reference to Adolf Hitler. The decision follows a complaint and subsequent investigation after the horse won its debut race at the Horseshoe Indianapolis track on Monday.
Adolf Hitler, born in Austria, was a professional artist in Vienna before the first world war. The term "Austrian Painter" is reportedly used online to discuss Hitler without directly naming him to avoid content moderation filters.
The Jockey Club also stated that 'Austrian Painter's' full sister, named 'New Order', must be renamed. 'New Order' can refer to Nazi Germany's plan for an occupied Europe, in addition to the British rock band.
Scott Herbertson, the two-year-old's owner and breeder, reportedly suggested on social media that 'Austrian Painter' was a reference to Austrian artist Gustav Klimt. He also stated, "New order is my favoured band you lune."
In a statement on Wednesday, the Jockey Club confirmed the name was deemed ineligible under Rule 6.F.9.d, which prohibits names "likely to be offensive or threatening based upon factors including, but not limited to, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, gender, national origin, race, religion, politics, or sexual orientation." The horse will now be known as Merrylegs.