Whykickamoocow - What Makes A horse's Name?

That's a grabbing blog title, hey. I know there used to be a horse in training with such a moniker. Can't think who trained or owned the beast. I used to think Whykick... was the name of a place in Australia. However, it seems that it is any old place in general (in Oz). Perhaps, we could have a Whykickamoocow in the UK. I'm looking forward to going there. Proabably have a strawberry milkshake, too. I'm sure there must be a good few posts to be written about horse names. Those trend setters or perverts (clad in rubber suits) slipping something rather risque under the noses of the Jockey Club. Wasn't there a horse called Climaxfortackle?  Perhaps that was perfectly innocent and I have a mind that matches the sky (blue). I'm surprised they got away with that one. Can you remember a long time ago when it became fashionable - perhaps necessary - to have a horses name with no spaces between the words. I guess the limit is seventeen letters! (Wrong) I don't know the first to every entertain such a thought but I'm pretty sure I can remember a Geoff Lewis trained horse called Thethingaboutitis. Does that ring any bells with our avid readers? I've just tracked down its race record on Racing Post. He was a January foal (1st, which is unusual) and trained by Lewis but finished his career with David Elsworth.  In his latter years, he was placed at Group class after being a handicapper. 


There are rules to naming thoroughbred racehorses. 

A two-year-old must be named by February or a late fee will be charged.

Six names in order of preference, are submitted by the owner to the Jockey Club, who decide which they can have (so in theory the Jockey Club choose every horse's name).

A horse's name can be changed for a fee as long as it hasn't raced or been bred.  

Names can be up to 18 letter long including spaces and punctuation. 

No initials such as C.O.D., F.O.B., I.O.U., etc.

No names ending in "filly," "colt," "stud," "mare," "stallion," or any similar horse-related term

No names consisting entirely of numbers, except numbers above thirty may be used if they are spelled out

No names ending with a numerical designation such as "2nd" or "3rd," whether or not such a designation is spelled out

No names of actual persons unless written permission to use their name is on file with The Jockey Club 

Click here for all the rules.  I've never owned a horse. Although there is something appealing about naming your own. It is a luxury few attain. I'm talking about a thoroughbred racehorse, of course, not Gee Up Neddy on the Norfolk beach. Although, the be fair, I would be proud to give a name whether to a pet or wonder horse (I toyed with the name Frankel, for a while). A name should always be given with love. (I'm far too sentimental!).

So what of the name which waits for the day I have enough money to buy the 'beast'. I do have one in mind: Eden Saw Play. I wonder if you know where that name comes from? If you have sung in a church you have probably uttered those words as the organist played freestyle. Not being a religious soul, it is strange why this name appeals to me. It must have some subconscious underpinning or thoughts of having a devil tattooed on my arse. I would give a prize if we lived in an age of going down to the library to find information, a budding choir singer or the Rev' Wilbert Awdry who wrote Thomas The Tank Engine (he'd know it). 

It's just too easy to Google.   

However, so much for the name of my Trojan Horse. What about yours? Or perhaps there is a colt running in the 2:50 Musselburgh which really tickles your fancy if you use anagram maker.  

Climaxfortackle....

When I ventured to the Jockey Club I'm sure I noticed a secretary wearing a rubber suit.