Why do race horses have such unusual names?

Question

Like "Comply or Die" or names like, say, "Mr Jones's Winnings" or "Sitting on The Fence" (last two made up, but wouldn't surprise me if these names existed).

Have always wondered this.

Answer 1

Every racehorse is registered and so they cannot have the same name as any other horse that has run for at least 10-15 years. When they leave racing the name usually changes! So, I suppose lack of names is the only cause.

Answer 2

this is because the breeders will have a certain set of names they can use which is the first bit and then the horses have there own names it is normally the case where those names are just for eventing and races but they will have an "improper name" they get called by there rider/owner

Answer 3

they are named by unusual people!

Answer 4

Well owners have to pick unique names because if the names was used before it can not be used again. They are all registered and so it makes it hard to come up with a name no one else has already used. I agree with you they can get silly sometimes :)

Answer 5

Racehorses can be named pretty much anything, within reason, as long as you obey some simple rules, such as:

Names not longer than 18 characters (in spaces)

Names must not be offensive or vulgar.

Names on the "protected list" cannot be reused - such as Shergar, Red Rum, Mill Reef, etc.

Some owners like to use themes when naming their horses - such as  the Westbrooks who always name thier horses starting with "Bollin".

Other owners like to use a name that means something to them, or will use a combination of the name of the Sire and Dam (Father and Mother) names.

For the record RED RUM was NOT named after the line in the film.  He was given the name as it is a combination of his father and mothers names - QuoRUM and MaRED.

UPDATE - I'd just like to add that names CAN be used again providing that the name is not on the "protected names" list and that the original horse has been dead for 5 years (10 years if the horse went to stud).  

It is also possible for two horses to have the same name at the same time, providing that they were born and registered in different countries.

For example, there are currently two mares names Gossamer:

http://www.pedigreequery.com/gossamer3

http://www.pedigreequery.com/gossamer7

Two mares named NUANCE:

http://www.pedigreequery.com/nuance2

http://www.pedigreequery.com/nuance8

Answer 6

they are soppoused to be unque and diffrent from the othersand none can be the same.usually it is the sire and the dams name mixed toghter

plz excuse the miss spelling

~ad

Answer 7

The Jockey Club rules dictate guidelines for naming thoroughbreds.  

Very often breeders and or owners will artfully and  vicariously submit names for approval.

Example:

Native Dancer - by Polynesian out of Geisha

Answer 8

i guess cos people bet on them so they give them names that will appeal to people and get the horse noticed

red rum is the most famous grand national horse, and he was named after a very famous line from a very famous film

Answer 9

Well allot of breeders want or try to use he parents names

But if both of them have not very good names silly ones are made up

But if you really pay attiention Most real winners have good names , strong names

Not all but most

Example Father's   name is Romeo So they name the filly

Love Conquers All ,,,,, I named mine,, OH Romero Oh Romeo

Yes and all the rules but  THATS NOT WHAT YOU ASKED

Answer 10

a good question, i would be really interested in people from the racing fraternity telling us. I like your made up names too.

Answer 11

to stop identity fraud

Answer 12

No race horse can have the same name.. when you go to name your horse you must give 3 options. and usually they give a comno of the mom and dads name. And you got to admitt it wouldnt be as cool if the announcers says " out of the gate Bob got the lead 1/2 a furlong behind Tim " that juts sound boring. Now Devils Launch.. Onza De Oro ect that sounds alot better ;)

Answer 13

usually to please the punters,to make money thats why they give them catchy names so they remind someone or trigger a memory,so they the public,put a bet on them,thats what i think anyway.peace.