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Ranking 20 Derby Names: What Makes a Winner?
1 May
Summary
- Horse names must be under 18 characters and non-vulgar.
- Names can be inspired by bloodlines, owner's whims, or people.
- The article ranks 20 current Derby horse names by suitability.
The iconic Churchill Downs proudly displays the names of 151 Kentucky Derby winners, ensuring their legacy endures for generations.
Horse naming adheres to specific regulations, with The Jockey Club mandating names under 18 characters and free of vulgarity. While names can be reused, those of Hall of Fame horses or Triple Crown winners remain off-limits.
Owners draw inspiration from various sources. Some utilize bloodlines, like the 1987 winner Alysheba, sired by Alydar. Others opt for whimsical choices, such as 2012's 'I'll Have Another,' named after an owner's common phrase. Naming horses after people has also become popular, exemplified by the 2005 winner Giacomo, named after the son of music executive Jerry Moss.
This year, 20 Derby contenders boast names ranging from the straightforward 'Commandment' to the more obscure 'Ocelli.' The article presents a ranked list, evaluating each name's potential to be etched into racing history, from the most fitting to the least memorable.
