One day at the track, an accountant friend of mine announced that he had purchased a yearling and was about to name him. Jokingly there were several suggestions like Price Waterhouse, Bean Counter, Tax Time or Audit Exception. Eventually he decided on a family name that was much more dignified but that afternoon was a lot of fun.
Naming your horse is part of the fun of ownership but you might need a second or third choice unless you know the rules.
1) A name cannot consist of more than 18 letters including spaces and punctuation.
2) Reusing a horse name is restricted. Generally the names of all famous horses are retired from use. There are exceptions but there will never be another Secretariat or a Secretariat the 2nd or 3rd.
3) Names like C.O.D. or other similar initial names are not allowed.
4) Horse related terms like filly or stud are non starters.
5) Names can not be entirely numbers. Numbers above thirty may be used if spelled out. What is the magic about the number 30? This restriction is curious in my opinion, but rules are rules.
6) If you are going to use a person's name, the Jockey Club must have written permission from that person. Bob Hayes or maybe Frank Shorter might be good names because they were fast or could run forever but you will need their permission and that permission must be on file with the Jockey Club. Similarly, if they were famous and are now dead you will need the permission of the Jockey Club.
7) It may not be named after some one who is notorious.
8) It may not include track names, stable names, and the names of graded stake races.
9) It can not include trade names, copyrighted material, movie or song titles or names that are obviously commercial in nature.
10) Suggestive, obscene, vulgar or offensive names to religious, political, or ethnic groups will be disapproved.
11) Finally you can not get creative to use spelling or punctuation to imitate otherwise unallowed names.
12) Nonsense names and foreign names will need an explanation or translation before approval.
Twelve basic rules, some restrictions but naming and running a horse can be a lot of fun and say something about you and your horse. Most of the restrictions are sensible and as a horse lover I think that a certain level of dignity can only help the sport and improve the breed.
If I ever am able to own and name a race horse it will be a big deal. I have thought about the naming of that horse for over 40 years and I hope he and I will be in the winner's circle one day.