The 2026 Champion Hurdle winner yesterday (10 March) at this year's Cheltenham Racecourse was race favourite, Lossiemouth, ridden by Paul Townend and trained by Willie Mullins. Reports show that Lossiemouth pipped rival Brighterdaysahead at the last turn, with The New Lion coming in third. But where on earth do these racehorse names come from, and who decides what names are allowed?
Racehorses often have both official registered names and nicknames used by trainers and stable staff. But unlike show dog names, the naming rules are tightly controlled by horse racing authorities such as The Jockey Club (the JC governs naming for thoroughbreds in many countries, including the UK and Ireland). Let's take a look at how the system works.
Cheltenham, Grand National, Epsom, Royal Ascot, are but a few of the biggest hose-racing events in the UK and indeed the world.
Lossiemouth is in fact a coastal town in Scotland, the racehorse is said to have been named as such as this is where the breeder's partner attended school. It's common to name a racehorse after towns, landmarks, or family connections that hold meaning for the breeder or owner. In the case of Lossiemouth, the name was chosen before she started racing. She was bred at Elevage des Vallons, but unlike show dogs, the breeder's name does not have to feature in the horse's registered name.
How do racehorses get their names?
In the UK, authorities such as The Jockey Club must approve names for thoroughbred horses. The rules for this include:
- A maximum of 18 characters
- No offensive language
- No duplicate current names in the same stud book
- Avoid some famous names
Unlike show dogs, racehorses have only one registered name with no longer formal pedigree name. It is common however to give a horse a nickname. For example, Lossiemouth is shortened to Lossie.
Top image: Jockey Paul Townend rides racehorse King Rasko Grey to win the Turners Novices' Hurdle horse race on the second day of the Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse, in Cheltenham, western England on March 11, 2026. (Credit: Getty Images)
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