What's In A Name?

     

In 2011, the Jockey Club Registry approved  just under 25,000 new thoroughbred names.  This is a daunting task in itself, as their rules for naming, (as any owner will attest too) are stringent with very good reason. Currently there are 450,000 names that are either already in use or for historical reasons preserved, never to be used again.  Secretariat, Seattle Slew and Affirmed  - all Triple Crown winners,  are just a few with such honored racing significance.  

    

The Jockey Club states, “to avoid confusion on the race track and in the breeding industry,”  several other rules also apply.  A name cannot be any longer than 18 letters including punctuation and spacing. It can also not end in the word “filly,” “colt,” “stud,” “mare” or “stallion.”  Names of living persons may not be used unless written permission is on file with the Jockey Club. Names of deceased persons will not be granted unless approved by the Jockey Club with a letter of satisfactory explanation. You cannot duplicate the name of a horse that has accumulated over two million dollars in earnings. Horse of the Year, Eclipse Award winners, Hall of Fame horses and those who have won any of the Triple Crown races all have “Permanent” names and therefore cannot be used.

    

These are just a few of the rules that must be adhered to.  For a complete list please visit the Jockey Club Registry. There you can also type in a name and see if it’s available, as I know many of us did, when trying to think of a name for the Rachel Alexandra – Curlin colt. 

   

To summarize,  if you want to name your newborn son or daughter “Moonbeam” or  “Stardust” go right ahead, you won’t have any problem.  On the other hand when it comes to your newborn colt or filly… I’m sorry, those names are already taken.

 

-- By Jody Lawrence