Filly renamed after ‘totally innocent mistake’

A horse has been renamed Jungle Bells after connections apologised for a "totally innocent mistake" in their original naming of the filly.

The David Evans-trained three-year-old, a daughter of Bungle Inthejungle, made her racecourse debut at Wolverhampton on Saturday evening, finishing sixth of 11 runners under the name Jungle Bunny.

The name - an extremely disparaging term when referring to a black person - was picked upon social media, with the British Horse racing Authority responding to one message on Twitter, saying "this name is deeply offensive and should not have been permitted".

In a further statement, the ruling body said :" We reiterate today the apology that was issued yesterday after the horse ran. Racist language is not tolerated in our sport, whether intentional or accidental. We are opposed to racism and prejudice in all its forms and are committed to making British racing an open, diverse and inclusive industry that is welcoming to all.

"We have taken steps today to ensure the horse was renamed immediately. It is now called Jungle Bells. This will be reflected in records of the race result and horse form. We are deeply concerned as to how this hap - pened and are reviewing the processes for approving the names of racehorses."

The filly was named by Evans' assistant trainer Emma Folk es, who said: "I actually named the filly myself - I didn't have a clue. Nobody in the yard had said anything and I can only apologise.

"I' ll take the blame. It was a totally innocent mistake."