The Stories Behind Famous Horse Names
By Scott Allen
. Big Brown: The 2008 Kentucky Derby winner was named after UPS, which allowed its trademark of the moniker to expire in 2005. Big Brown's owner, Paul Pompa Jr., was a trucking company owner and said the horse's name honored UPS's renewal of a contract with his firm. UPS, in turn, agreed to a sponsorship deal and the value of the Derby exposure for the company was estimated at $4 million.
. Giacomo: The 2005 Kentucky Derby winner was named for the son of recording artist Sting, who worked with A&M records co-founder and Giacamo's breeder Jerry Moss.
. Seattle Slew: The 1977 Triple Crown winner was named after his owners' two hometowns, Seattle and a soggy area in Florida, where a swamp is often called a slew.
. Secretariat: Elizabeth Ham, the secretary for the stables where the 1973 Triple Crown winner was born, had submitted 10 names to the Jockey Club, all of which were denied. Ham's 11th submission was finally approved.
. Seabiscuit: A sea biscuit is the name of a type of cracker eaten by sailors known as hardtack. Seabiscuit's father was named Hard Tack.
. War Admiral: The 1937 Triple Crown winner was the offspring of Man 'o War and Brushup.
. Burgoo King: Foaled near Lexington, Ky., the 1932 Kentucky Derby winner was named for a local grocer who was famous for his burgoo stew.
