Racehorse Gets Name Change Over Hints of Hitler

The Jockey Club has ruled that a racehorse known as Austrian Painter has been renamed Merrylegs after a review of a complaint that alleged it was a reference to Adolf Hitler. The horse's name drew attention after winning his debut on Monday at Indiana's Horseshoe Indianapolis Racecourse, per the AP.

Hitler was born in Austria and was an artist before becoming the head of the Nazi Party in Germany. "The Registrar determined that the name is ineligible under Rule 6.F.9.d, which 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 Jockey Club said in a statement announcing its decision.

Owner and breeder Scott Herbertson said on social media the name was a reference to Austrian painter Gustav Klimt, and that his filly originally called New Order was named for his favorite band. "New Order" is also a term used for the Nazis' plan for occupying Europe. The Jockey Club said that horse, a full sister to Merrylegs, has also had its name yanked.