Winner's Circle - What's in the name of a thoroughbred

The Jockey Club receives name requests then checks that the name is not that of a famous horse, or a horse producing “get” (foals), or that of a famous person or a living person (unless permission of that person is provided). It can not be a name already taken or sound like a name already taken or denote anything offensive. Naming horses is a lot of fun or at least up until the time the said horse is ready to run and now you must get a name and get one in a hurry.

Sometimes when you see a completely non-appealing name, chances are it was done out of the frustration of needing a name quickly.

In present times with all of the syndicate ownerships naming a foal is something akin to naming a child when all the grandparents, aunts, uncles and extended family are asked for opinions. In this case you may have to pull the name out of a hat. Another fun thing is to learn the barn names of horses. I remember having a horse for Mike Ford back in the 60’s, his name was Omaha Jack but at the barn we called him Wide Walking Jack both after his way of going and after a barn foreman of the same name. Back at Ak-Sar-Ben there was an amazing Nebraska-bred horse by the name of Who Dr. Who. He won countless races through a career spanning several years, many of them stakes. None of us racing there will ever forget the race calls of track announcer, Terry Wallace. Who is that? It’s Whoo Dr. Whooo and today it’s all WHOOO DR. WHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

In conversation with John Costanzo, owner of the Tiznow Restaurant on Henry Street, I learned how he came about the name. John is a long-time restaurant owner from NYC and an ardent racing fan/handicapper. He doesn’t bet often and looks for value. In two consecutive Breeders’ Cups, Tiznow provided John looked for elements and he cashed in on both occasions. He took that to be a lucky omen and when he brought his restaurant trade north he decided to name the establishment Tiznow. John receives the bonus that not only was Tiznow the only horse to date to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic back-to-back; he is now one of the leading sires in the country. Only Curlin’s sire Smart Strike is atop him in the leading sire category. Tiznow had 2-year-old filly champion Folklore in his first crop and this year is represented by several top runners, the most recognizable being Zito’s Belmont winner Da’ Tara. Tiznow continues to represent value and Tiznow offers a wonderful dining experience too.

The opposite scenario happened with Rusty Arnold’s undefeated One Caroline. She was purchased here at the Fasig-Tipton sales. The new owners went to One Caroline to celebrate. If she wins the Alabama and you finish second you might prefer to go to Tiz Now that night.

Every time you have the opportunity to do so, ask how a Thoroughbred got his name. You will discover endless interesting tales from Lamb Chop out of Sheepsfoot, to Heartlight No. One, to Seattle Slew and On and On.