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RAD TURF NOMENCLATURE Views of French Racing Commentator on Foolish and Inappropriate Names. Viator, who writes reminiscently and opiniona-lively of horse-;, horsemen and racing in Le Jockey, has this to say on the subject of foolish and inappropriate naming of young horses: Rreeders, at the time of naming the products of their studs, have often suffered from what Cyrano de Rergcrac has called "a taste for the imaginative." And a certain coterie of protestants have arisen to deplore the foolish names which have been tacked upon racing hopefuls. Many sporting writers, especially in England, have directed an attack on the absurd naming of thoroughbreds. As a matter of fact contests have been arranged and prizes awarded on some occasions for the mosr appropriate names suggested for certain young horses. Rut the breeders have carefuly avoided the adoption of the work of these critics. Consequently I have little bope that the agency just opened in London for this purpose will meet with any conspicuous success. The advertisement which appeared in a London paper anouncing the opening of this bureau, however, is interesting: NOMENCLATURE "Give a dog a bad name and hang him." This provprb is equally applicable to race horses. Dont call your Derby candidate "I arrive with a bandaged eye." A name like this is equal to twelve pounds extra weight. Rreeders are invited to consult me in order to give their horses appropriate names, which will recall at the same time the names of their sires and dams. No fee unless name is accepted. "Nomnial." 3 Jermyn street, S. W. Monsieur "Nomnial" is probably a thoroughgoing humorist, but some "new-rich" patron of racing may call him in for consultation.
