The meaning behind Triple Crown winner Justify's name

WinStar Farm does not take lightly the naming of young horses who could go on to become stallion prospects, as it's both a Kentucky-based racing and breeding operation.

Single-word monikers are often "strong" and "stallion kind of names," said Elliott Walden, WinStar's president and CEO. From his farm, they're often rooted in Christian terms, too.

That intersection resulted in Justify.

Walden said after the horse completed his Triple Crown sweep that the name comes from the New Testament book of Romans, which "talks about being justified by faith."

"It was a name that was available, and we looked for that as a great opportunity," Walden said. "Blessed that this horse has a great name."

Walden credited Amy Nave, his office manager and executive assistant, not just for coming up with Justify but also names such as Creator, the 2016 Belmont Stakes winner, Commissioner and Constitution.

"She does a remarkable job because we have 30 to name each year," Walden said.

Of course, there are many versions of scripture to consult. But here's one example of Romans, Chapter 10, Verses 9-10, from BibleGateway.com:

"9 If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved."