How Thoroughbreds Get Their Names

The Kentucky Derby is a prestigious horse race that attracts the finest Thoroughbreds in the world. But how do these horses get their names?

The naming process can be mundane or bizarre, depending on the owner’s preferences. Some owners choose names based on the horse’s parentage, while others prefer themes or even curling terms.

Parentage

Many owners choose names that reflect the horse’s lineage. For example, Fast Cookie’s foal Frosting is named after her mother, while Danzig Moon is named after his sire, Danzig, and his dam, Malibu Moon.

Themes

Some owners prefer to give their horses names that fit a particular theme. For example, Kaleem Shah, a soccer fan, has named horses after things like Bundesliga and Bayern.

Curling Terms

One of the most unique horse names in this year’s Derby is Keen Ice. It’s a curling term that means fast ice, which is appropriate for a horse sired by a champion named Curlin.

The Jockey Club’s Role

The Jockey Club is responsible for registering and approving all Thoroughbred names. The club has a complex naming process with plenty of fine print. For example, it’s not kosher to name a horse after a racetrack, use horse-related terms, or indulge in wishful thinking by naming it after a former Horse of the Year.

Proofreading Errors

Despite the Jockey Club’s rigorous naming process, errors can sometimes slip through. For example, owners, the public, and the Club all missed a typo in the name of 2015 contender American Pharoah, who raced with a misspelled name.

Notable Horse Names in This Year’s Derby

Some of the most notable horse names in this year’s Derby include:

• Carpe Diem: A Latin phrase that means “seize the day.”
• International Star: A nod to the horse’s international pedigree.
• Dortmund: Named after the German soccer team.
• Bayern: Named after the German soccer team.
• Keen Ice: A curling term that means fast ice.

Conclusion

The Kentucky Derby is a showcase for some of the world’s most talented Thoroughbreds. The horses’ names are often as unique and memorable as the horses themselves.