By Liane Crossley
Special to NKytribune
Thoroughbred racehorses are much harder to name than pets or people with guidelines that include an 18-letter limit and restrictions against previously used monikers.
Despite the challenge, owners cleverly christen racers with handles that might reflect pedigree, places, family, friends, occupation or trends. Runners in this season’s Triple Crown sported examples of interesting labels.
The name of Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming reflects the hopes of his owners who were always dreaming of big time success since becoming racing fans in their youth. Preakness Stakes hero Cloud Computing’s moniker relates to shared Internet data bases.
LOUISVILLE, KY – MAY 04: Kentuckty Derby entrant Patch is bathed during morning workouts ahead of the 143rd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 4, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Perhaps the wittiest name of the spring belongs to Patch, a Derby also-ran and Belmont third-place finisher who became a fine example of a horse who inadvertently lived up to his name (Patch.com Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)</small></em>
Hearing the name of Belmont Stakes winner Tapwrit quickly brings to mind his renowned sire Tapit and Derby runner-up Lookin At Lee brings thoughts of his sire Lookin at Lucky.
On the more subtle side, Multiplier (sixth in the Preakness) is a spin on his sire The Factor.
Perhaps the wittiest name of the spring belongs to Patch, a Derby also-ran and Belmont third-place finisher who became a fine example of a horse who inadvertently lived up to his name.
At first glance, Patch appears to be named to honor his sire, Union Rags, but the story does not end there. He was reportedly already named last year when he developed a condition requiring surgical removal of his left eye. Unconcerned that he has only a skin-covered socket, Patch became a winner in his second start before becoming a media sensation.
Patch is a shining example of a horse so aptly named that it makes one wonder “how did someone know that beforehand?’ Some Thoroughbreds that will not be mentioned here tragically fulfilled the destiny of their negative names. Others cause a chuckle or inspire happy tears.
Following is short list of Thoroughbreds who lived up to their billing.
Ain’t in No Hurry—While most Thoroughbreds typically start racing by age three, Ain’t in No Hurry waited until he was seven. He made up for lost time by winning that debut last year at Ellis Park in western Kentucky.
Blame—His name was inspired by his dam, Liable, but Blame always will be blamed for ending the 19-race winning streak of Zenyatta when he narrowly beat her in the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Churchill Downs.
Blame Angel—For those believing in divine intervention, there is Blame Angel who won at Ellis Park in July, a day after his trainer died.
Far From Over—A rising star and 2015 Kentucky Derby hopeful after winning his first two starts, Far From Over was forced to the sidelines by injury. More than a year later, he was victorious in his comeback. He further lived up to his name by going unraced for 10 months before returning to action again on June 17.
Far Right—His owners appeared prophetic when he drew a far right post position (No. 17) for the 2015 Kentucky Derby.
Little Drama Mama—Although not directly involved, her name in the entries foreshadowed a bizarre race at Minnesota’s Canterbury Park on June 18. Two horses tossed their jockeys before the start and were scratched. Another horse lost her jockey out of the gate and jumped into the infield. When she lept back on the track as the runners approached, jockeys were forced to steer around her.
There were no injuries but all wagers were refunded and no prize money was paid because the race was declared a “no contest” because of the interference.
Postponed—This high profile runner in Europe and the United Arab Emirates caused some confusing headlines when he missed a scheduled race because of minor illness last year.
Put Da Blame On Me—She crossed the wire in second place but was disqualified to third for interfering with a rival at Keeneland in the spring of 2016.
Rapid Gray—A star of the 1980s was both rapid and gray in winning 26 of 56 starts at nine tracks in seven states including Kentucky.
Super Show—With a name just one letter away from super slow, he did not take to the family business of racing so he was repurposed in 2015 into a mount specializing in looking pretty while jumping obstacles at horse shows. When in action, he does indeed put on a super show.
Liane Crossley is a Lexington-based freelance writer
