US racehorse renamed after complaint over alleged Hitler reference

The US Jockey Club has required the racehorse Austrian Painter to be renamed after reviewing a complaint alleging that its name referred to Adolf Hitler. The horse is now called Merrylegs. [1] [2]

Owner and breeder Scott Herbertson said on social media that the name referred to Austrian artist Gustav Klimt, Associated Press reported. [2]

In a statement issued on Wednesday, 23 September, and quoted by The Guardian, the Jockey Club said a formal complaint had prompted an immediate review. Its registrar ruled the name ineligible under Rule 6.F.9.d, which prohibits names likely to be offensive or threatening on grounds including religion, politics, race and national origin. [1]

The decision came shortly after the two-year-old won its debut race at Horseshoe Indianapolis on Monday, 21 September. [1]

Hitler was born in Austria and worked as an artist before leading the Nazi Party in Germany. The Guardian reported that “Austrian Painter” is used online to refer to him without naming him, avoiding content-moderation filters. [1] [2]