Racehorse owner is told: ‘Sling yer hook Buggerlugs’
OWNER ORDERED TO CHANGE NAME BEFORE DEBUT AT BEVERLEY
A RACEHORSE owner is furious after being ordered to change his colt’s name dubbed “inappropriate” by racing chiefs just before his first race at Beverley.
Nick Rhodes called his two-yearold horse Buggerlugs, in memory of his late father Les Rhodes Sr, which he says was used in an affectionate manner during his childhood.
The “informal, old-fashioned” term is “for referring or speaking to someone in a slightly insulting, but friendly way”, according to the Cambridge Dictionary.
However, just a day before the juvenile’s debut at Beverley on Tuesday, Rhodes was told he would have to think of new name for Buggerlugs, the Mirror reports.
Bosses at the British Horseracing
Authority felt that most people would be unfamiliar with it and notice the unpleasant swear word.
Rhodes has named all his runners after his home county, including five-time winner Eeh Bah Gum.
He said: “We are distraught by being told to change the name of the horse. My late father used to call me ‘little Buggerlugs’ as a child.
“I had a call yesterday to say they were not happy with the name and if we didn’t come up with an alternative quickly they would have to pull the horse from the race.
“I think it’s disrespectful to the people of Yorkshire, our culture and dialect.”
Rhodes, who bought his first horse, Yorkshire Pudding, eight years ago, shares his ownership journey on Facebook.
His horses have their own pages, run by his wife Lena, and they had ordered some “Buggerlugs” sweatshirts for his followers. The son of
Shalaa, who joins Eeh Bah Gum and Flippin’ Eck on the team, was named officially last summer with Weatherbys.
A spokesperson for the British Horseracing Authority said: “On further consideration, the name was viewed as inappropriate.”
Rhodes decided on the alternative Sling Yer Hook in response to the situation.
But he has vowed to fight the decision, saying: “We want Buggerlugs’ name reinstated. I think we have been badly treated. We have done a lot for racing over the years and lots of people enjoy following our horses. It has spoilt our first day at the races with him.”
Sling Yer Hook ended up seventh in the race at Beverley racecourse on Tuesday on his debut.