A winning racehorse has been renamed after its name was deemed offensive because of its association with Adolf Hitler. Austrian Painter, bred and owned by Scott Herbertson, made its debut at Horseshoe Indianapolis on Monday, winning a maiden special weight at the Indiana, US, racetrack. However, a complaint was made to the US Jockey Club, which registers racehorse names, claiming it caused offence. The term ‘Austrian Painter’ can refer to Hitler, who tried to become an artist in Vienna before entering politics.
Owner’s Initial Response
In an exchange of posts on X following the victory, Herbertson appeared to suggest his horse was named after an established Austrian painter, Gustav Klimt. He said: “Yes that’s who I named it after I’m not changing the name.”
Jockey Club Investigation
However, in an unusual move after a horse has raced, Herbertson was ordered to rename the horse after the Jockey Club carried out an investigation. The Jockey Club also withdrew the name of a yearling full sister to Austrian Painter, who had been called ‘New Order’ which, while mostly associated with the successful British band, was also the term used by Hitler to describe his vision of Nazism. Although Herbertson also refuted that theory in a response to an X post, saying: "New order is my favoured band you lune."
Official Statement
A Jockey Club statement said: “The Registry confirms a name change for the Thoroughbred ‘Austrian Painter’ to ‘Merrylegs’.
“Earlier this week, the Registry was notified through a formal complaint that the name was offensive, and we immediately began a review.
“The Registrar determined that the name is ineligible under Rule 6.F.9.d, which prohibits names that ‘are 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.’
“In addition, the 2025 filly out of Galileta has been unnamed. We take these matters seriously and appreciate that they were brought to our attention.”
