US Jockey Club orders racehorse to be renamed due to alleged Hitler reference

The Jockey Club has mandated that a racehorse named Austrian Painter must be renamed due to an alleged reference to Adolf Hitler, according to the organization's statement. The horse's name came under scrutiny after the filly secured victory in her first race at Horseshoe Indianapolis Racecourse. The new moniker for the animal will be Merrylegs.

Adolf Hitler, the notorious leader of Nazi Germany, was born in Austria and pursued an artistic career prior to his political ascendancy. The Jockey Club explained that rule 6.F.9.d of its regulations 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."

The club's statement attributed the decision to the Registrar. Owner and breeder Scott Herbertson clarified on social media that the name was meant as an homage to Austrian painter Gustav Klimt and that the horse was originally christened New Order, inspired by his beloved musical group. New Order also served as a moniker for the Nazis' scheme for annexing European territory.

The Jockey Club reiterated that the horse, a full sibling to Merrylegs, had initially remained unnamed. "We take these matters seriously and appreciate that they were brought to our attention," the Jockey Club concluded.