Even Horses Can Have Oddball Names

What's in a name?  We all know people whose names match their personalities, or perhaps their personalities became a function of their names.  There are also family names incorporated into the choice for newborns and names that follow a trend or names that set a trend.

And then there are the oddballs (to me), including in 2015, Atlas, Armani, Arrow, Chichi, Diem, Jedi, Pi, Sailor, Twinkle, and Tulip (at least three children received each of these names to be included in the survey results).

It got me thinking about the names for the entries in the Kentucky Derby this year.  I could guess at the inspiration for some of the horses' names, but needed explanations for others.  Here is a report by Pia Catton from The Wall Street Journal on May 4, 2016.

According to Ms. Catton, there are naming rules established by the Jockey Club, the organization that registers thoroughbred horses.  Names must be eighteen characters or less and must meet a long list of criteria (nothing commercial, vulgar, or rude).  And no copying the names of famous horses.

A horse's pedigree has traditionally been the greatest inspiration for names, but this year's racers demonstrated that the inspiration can come from just about anywhere.

Trojan Nation - Owner Julie Gilbert is a USC Trojan fan, and her father was class of '53.

Suddenbreakingnews - Owner Samuel Henderson was too late to claim "Breaking News" as his horse's name, but by adding a word and dropping the spaces he established a new identity.

Creator - It's obvious that the inspiration came from above, but racing manager Elliot Walden said he waited for the right horse to fit the name.  Twenty-nine other horses belonging to WinStar Farm didn't qualify.

Mo Tom (not Mo Town!!) - Sired by 2010 champion "Uncle Mo," this name combines pedigree and owner Tom Benson's name.  When the owner was going through health issues, the family needed "more Tom."

Gun Runner - Owner Ron Winchell wanted a strong name that others would be afraid to run against.

My Man Sam - This horse was named after one of the Sheep Pond Partner's sons.

Oscar Nominated - The mare of this horse is "Devine Actress," daughter of the sire "Theatrical and Devine Beauty."

Lani - Hawaiian for "sky," this colt's mare was "Heavenly Romance."

Destin - "Destiny" was already taken, so the owners at Twin Creeks Racing had to come up with another name relating to fate (the mare's name was "Dream of Summer").

Whitmore - Named for a talented athlete, Wilbur Whitmore, in trainer Ron Moquette's high school in Pocola, Oklahoma.

Exaggerator - Resulted from a discussion between owner Matt Bryan and trainer Keith Desormeaux about a few women in their lives who were prone to exaggerating.

Tom's Ready - Tom Benson, who also owns "Mo Tom," was asked if he was ready to spend $100,000 on a horse.  He answered, "I am ready."

Nyquist - Owner J. Paul Reddam loves the Detroit Red Wings and named this year's winner for forward Gustav Nyquist.

Mohaymen - This name is from an Arabic word meaning "dominant."

Outwork - Owner and entrepreneur Mike Repole said, "I always talk about outworking your competition."

Shagaf - Named after the Arabic word for "fond of."

Mor Spirit - "Mor" is "mother" in Danish, and owner Michael Petersen't mother is a spirited woman.  His wife suggested the name.

Majesto - This name combines the initials of two of the owner's sons, Mauro and Jesus.  The "TO" stands for "todos," representing all seven of the owner's children.  It also means "glory" in an ancient language.

Brody's Cause - "Brody" is the name of owner Dennis Albaugh's great nephew.  "Cause" came from the horse's sire, "Giant's Causeway."

Danzing Candy - This name is connected to the horse's pedigree.  His sire is "Twirling Candy," and the mare is "House of Danzing."

This is an Arabian thoroughbred, not Danzing Candy.