Jockey Club Renames Austrian Painter to Merrylegs

The Jockey Club has renamed the winning racehorse Austrian Painter to Merrylegs, saying its Registrar found the name ineligible under a rule barring names likely to be offensive or threatening. Owner and breeder Scott Herbertson said the name referred to Austrian artist Gustav Klimt, while the supplied reports do not independently establish his intent. The decision followed a formal complaint about the name, according to the Jockey Club. The horse attracted attention after winning its debut at Horseshoe Indianapolis Racecourse on Monday, September 21. In a statement announcing the change, the Club said its Registrar determined that Austrian Painter violated Rule 6.F.9.d, which covers names likely to be offensive or threatening on grounds including national origin, religion and politics. The Jockey Club also said a yearling filly, described as a full sister to Merrylegs and previously called New Order, had been unnamed. Herbertson said New Order was named after his favorite band. The phrase has also been used for Nazi Germany’s plans for occupied Europe, but the supplied reports do not establish why the Club withdrew the name beyond its announcement that the filly was unnamed.