This article has appeared previously with Equestrian Life. To see what's in our latest issue, please click here.
By Equestrian Life
In the horse racing industry, ridiculous names are a given. Whether it’s by accident, trying to catch out the race caller or simply wanting to produce a little comedic value, racehorse owners the world over have come up with some crackers over the years.
1. Hoof Hearted
Hoof Hearted is a name that tops many ‘silly name’ lists - say it out loud if you’re missing the joke. A South-African based horse, Hoof Hearted’s career was forgettable - even if the name isn’t!
2.Waikikamukau
Waikikamukau may be a kiwi term that refers to a small, rural town in the middle of nowhere - but it was also the name given to a horse that raced in Australia from the mid to late 90s. There are also reports of a horse that raced in the USA at a similar time that went by the name of Whykickamoocow.
3. Maythehorsebewithu
A quality galloper by Zabeel, Maythehorsebewithu finished fifth in the Melbourne Cup - and by the looks of it, the owners were Star Wars fans.
4. Fairy King Prawn
An Australia bred galloper who raced very successfully in Hong Kong, Fairy King Prawn certainly had an unusual name. However, there are a number of other Australian racehorses with ocean-inspired names that don’t quite have the same ring to them - such as Fairy King Scallop, Raw Prawn and Noisy Oyster. 5. DoReMiFaSaLaTiDo
A real tongue twister, this Sound of Music inspired name crossed the finish line first a couple of times - unlucky for the race callers involved!
6. AARRRRRRR
Potentially named on ‘Talk Like a Pirate Day’ this horse was definitely an interesting character for race callers - that being said, some did embrace the name.
7. Blow Up The Pokies
A best selling song by The Whitlams, Blow Up The Pokies was also a very ironic name for a racehorse.
8. True Blue Aussie Names
Rather than create a list of bogan horse names, we’ve decided to compile them all here in one paragraph. A snippet of just some of the gems that have graced Aussie racetracks over the years include Chasin’ Sheilas and Grouse Sheila, Exploding Roo and Let Her Rip Hughie (two horses we don’t fancy riding on account of wondering how they earned their names), Gee Ess Tee (perhaps Howard-era edition), Nadzoff (a gelding…), Prefer a Merc (well, we all know the Merc would have been cheaper), Tom Likes Beetroot, Thong and Pushbike - and of course, Bruce the Horse.
9. Odor in the Court
While fart-themed names are generally a no-no with racing authorities around the world, clever wordsmiths have long been finding ways to thwart the rule (as illustrated in paragraph one). The best bit? Apparently the aptly named Judge Smells sired this horse…
10. My Daddy’s Vacation
There are unconfirmed reports that this was the name of a horse once spotted at a show - true or not, it’s definitely a fitting name for many a child’s show pony.
We know that racehorses have some hilarious names - but have you come across any names that make you smile on the local show circuit? Let us know: info@eqlife.com.au
