Every so often, it is healthy to focus on more trivial matters, and in gaming, it is interesting to look at many of the superstitions and dreams of those who enjoy playing games of chance. One of the more fascinating revelations is the naming of thoroughbreds, and with each foal crop, the options submitted range from the imaginative to the bizarre, which at times even challenge the race callers and analysts with pronunciations.
Before examining specific names and the varied rationales informing options, let’s take a look at selected Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) guidelines and protocols related to registering horses for racing. For practical purposes, the following naming is not permissible or available, and all names are approved or otherwise at the absolute discretion of the JRC:-
- A name consisting of more than 18 letters or of more than four words, and note that a punctuation mark is considered a space as well.
- A name entirely or partly of figures/numerals.
- The name of any registered stallion or broodmare.
- Any name which the JRC deems to be similar in spelling or pronunciation to any registered horse.
- The name of any notorious person (criminal or otherwise) alive or dead unless approved by the JRC.
- Any trade name used for the purpose of advertising any product or service or any name which the JRC deems to have commercial association.
- Any name which is vulgar or obscene or which in the opinion of the JRC is capable of a vulgar or obscene meaning.
- The name of any horse which is the winner of a Classic (1000 & 2000 Guineas, Oaks, St. Leger, Derby)
- Any name which is on the list of protected names issued for breeding and/or racing.
- The name of any live horse registered already.
Here now is a famous quote from the William Shakespeare play Romeo & Juliet: “What's in a name? “That which we call a rose by any other word would smell as sweet.” This was a line delivered by Juliet. Effectively, this means that Usain Bolt by any other name would still be the greatest sprinter ever and that Jamaican women, who won Miss World titles, would be just as beautiful by any other name.
Seriously and strangely, though, for some inexplicable reason, it would seem that even from its debut, the name of a horse can have an uncanny familiarity which is almost akin to a prediction that it would become memorable.
Bizarrely, as an aside, and a tribute to the British tongue-in-cheek sense of humour, believe it or not, five decades ago, the regulatory UK Jockey Club approved the names “Sure Winner” and “Sure Loser” for an eccentric owner. Naturally, both horses were moderate but won a few races between them, trained by the then-great English horseman Barry Hills.
Was there something special about the naming of the following 12 horses? Royal Dad, Monday Morning, Liu Chie Poo, The Viceroy, Milligram, War Zone, I’m Satisfied, Simply Magic, Alsafra, Mark My Word, She’s A Maneater and Supreme Soul. Maybe there was, since these have achieved the ultimate objective for their breeders and owners with Triple Crown immortality at Caymanas Park.
Globally, millions of punters play horse racing, and many are entirely convinced the name of a thoroughbred can actually determine how successful it is likely to be. This is not possible, but the perception may have an inherent basis in reality. Less than 10% of horses produce a positive return on the financial outlay required to be involved at the level of ownership in what is a sport and not a business. This renders the superstitions and anything else justified by up to 90 per cent or more.
Interestingly, all owners have a plethora of reasons for their choice of names, ranging from honouring family members to sheer intuitive decisions based on varying aspects of their life experiences. Further, the naming of the males is a far less challenging exercise than naming the opposite sex. Consequently, more thought is required and more imagination exercised in the naming of fillies.
Obviously, this writer is more concerned with the mathematical determination of ability, which is not an exact science, but is in keeping with my view that each race presents an intellectual challenge for which a correct prediction of any result can be enjoyable and satisfying. Contact wesmartin@horseracing.com.
