Jockey Club mandates renaming of racehorse over Hitler reference

The Jockey Club has ordered a racehorse named Austrian Painter to be renamed Merrylegs due to an alleged reference to Adolf Hitler. The decision follows the horse's debut victory at Horseshoe Indianapolis Racecourse. The name raised concerns as Hitler was born in Austria and was an artist early in his life. The horse's owner, Scott Herbertson, claimed the name was inspired by painter Gustav Klimt, and that the original name of the filly was New Order, a reference to the band. The Jockey Club stated that they take such matters seriously, confirming that the name is ineligible under their rules prohibiting offensive or threatening names.

• 5:38 AMYahoo Sports — US Jockey Club orders racehorse to be renamed due to alleged Hitler reference