How can Silver Birch be so named when another horse bore that name?

Question: I clearly remember a grey race horse called Silver Birch from quite a few years ago - and he must have been successful if I remember him for I do not follow racing that closely. I did not think that race horses could have the name as another horse... imagine if somebody decided to call their horse Red Rum now, or Desert Orchid? Is there a Racing Club/Thoroughbred Breeding ruling on this? I'd love to know how this horse can have the same name as another... please help?

Answer: According to current rules two horses can have the same name providing that they were born in different countries. Today's winner was born in Ireland, hence he is known as Silver Birch (IRE). The other Silver Birch was born in Great Britain, hence he was known as Silver Birch (GB). Names can also be reused if the original horse has been dead for more than 10 years. Only winners of major races have their names protected, this is why there will never be another Red Rum, Arkle, Desert Orchid, Lammtarra, Nashwan, etc.

Related Questions

Related Items