HORSE RENAMED OVER ASSOCIATION WITH HITLER

LEXINGTON, SEPTEMBER 24 /SRNA/ - The US Jockey Club decided today to change the name of the racehorse Austrian Painter to Merrylegs following a complaint that the name was a reference to Nazi leader Adolf Hitler.

The horse’s name attracted public attention after it won its debut race earlier this week in Indianapolis.

Hitler was born in Austria and was an artist before becoming leader of the Nazi Party in Germany.

“The registry determined that the name was not acceptable under regulations prohibiting names that are likely to be offensive or threatening on various grounds,” the Jockey Club said in a statement.

The horse’s owner and breeder, Scott Herbertson, said on social media that the name was a reference to Austrian painter Gustav Klimt.

Herbertson also owns a mare New Order, which was reportedly named after his favorite band.

New Order is also a term used in the Nazi plan for the occupation of Europe.