The Kentucky Derby 2022 is around the
corner, and with it comes a group of interestingly named contenders including
Barber Road, Mo Donegal, and the Cyberknife. In previous editions, names such
as Shut Up (1944), Dunce (1959) and even Degenerate Jon (1980) amazed the fans.

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But these names were not chosen at
random. Owners who wish to register their
horses for racing must first meet the strict criteria of the Jockey Club, the
official registry for all thoroughbred horses in the US (including Puerto Rico)
and Canada. As per the naming rules, owners are prohibited from using anything
that falls into 17 different “classes of names,” including those used by
notable past champions or award-winners, or those used by other horses that are
actively involved in racing or breeding.

The lengthy registry rules also indicate which names are acceptable and which are not. It depends upon the length of the
name, fairness and decency. The names should not exceed 18 characters.

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Names that have a vulgar or obscene
meaning are banned. But that doesn’t mean some haven’t slipped under the radar
in the sport’s history: The Jockey Club has previously approved risqué names
such as “Panty Raid,” “Strip Tease” and even “Sexy Bikini Model,” according to
its own database.

Another rule prohibited owners from
naming their horses after any “living persons” unless the Jockey Club is
provided with written permission from the namesake. It has happened many times
over the years, but one of the most notable instances occurred when Barbara
Bush, who was the nation’s first lady at the time, gave her written consent to
use her name.

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While choosing the names, the owners
consider each thoroughbred’s lineage, and some incorporate the name of either
the horse’s background. But even in the absence of a family name, most
racehorses find themselves saddled with something that at least seems
significant enough to their owners.