How To Name A Racehorse: The Rules And The Cost
The Short Answer
Every horse that races under Rules or in point-to-points needs a unique registered name, which stays with it for life. Weatherbys is the naming authority: names can be up to 18 characters including spaces, can't use a real person's name without permission, can't be commercial or offensive, and can't include numbers or country suffixes. Registering a name for a GB or Irish-bred horse costs £214 including VAT in 2026.
Weatherbys and BHA figures read 10 Nov 2026. Unnamed count: shares listed by sire, dam or "colt/filly/gelding" in our Live Shares Feed, checked 5 Nov 2026.
Free PDF Guide + Weekly Email
Your First Racehorse Share
Get our free 14-page getting started guide to racehorse syndicates and racing clubs, plus The Syndicate Sheet every Thursday: new shares, price changes and the week's syndicate winners.Free 14-page guide plus The Syndicate Sheet every Thursday.
Free. We'll ask you to confirm your email, then your guide is on its way. See what's inside
The Rules
Weatherbys, the sole naming authority for Thoroughbreds in the UK, sets out the main restrictions (Weatherbys):
- Length: no more than 18 characters, including spaces and punctuation.
- Real people: no name of a living person, or of someone who died less than 50 years ago, without written permission from them or their family.
- No advertising: names mustn't have obvious commercial significance.
- Taste: nothing suggestive, vulgar or obscene, and nothing offensive to religious, ethnic or political groups.
- Protected names: around 3,000 names are protected, including big-race winners and famous retired horses.
- No numbers: the Racing Admin help pages say names can't include Roman numerals, numbers or country suffixes such as (IRE) (Racing Admin).
Even a name that shows as available is checked again before registration, including for sound-alikes and commercial meaning (BHA name availability).
How To Name A Horse
- Shortlist names and count the characters, spaces included.
- Check availability on the BHA's free name checker or in Racing Admin.
- Apply through Racing Admin, or on Weatherbys' paper form if you don't have access. Weatherbys says most applications are done within a day, and it handles about 13,000 names a year.
- Pay the fee: £214 including VAT for a GB or Irish-bred horse in 2026, or £468.70 for a foreign-bred horse (Weatherbys form NC2). The ROA's fee list also shows options to reserve a name for a year or temporarily, and to change a name (ROA).
How Syndicates Choose Names
Young horses are often sold to syndicates before they're named, which is why so many shares on sale are listed as "a colt by X" or "Sire x Dam". In our feed, 34 of the 122 shares on sale are listed that way. Some syndicates let members suggest or vote on a name; others leave it to the trainer or the syndicator. If having a say matters to you, ask before you join. A name tribute to a friend or family member needs their (or their family's) written permission under the rules above.
Naming a horse can also make a lovely gift: see buying a racehorse share as a gift.
Name Ideas That Tend To Work
- A play on the sire's and dam's names, which racing fans enjoy spotting.
- Something easy for commentators to say and fans to remember.
- A nod to the syndicate, the members or a place, without being an advert.
Not Advice
This guide is general information from published rules, prices and official race results, not financial, tax or legal advice. We don't tip horses or recommend a deal. Racehorse ownership is a hobby, not an investment. Naming rules and fees are set by Weatherbys and the BHA and can change; check before you apply.
Sources
- Weatherbys: naming your horse (read 10 Nov 2026)
- BHA: horse name availability (read 10 Nov 2026)
- Weatherbys name registration form NC2, 2026 fees
- ROA: costs of ownership (2026 fee list)
Questions People Ask
How Many Characters Can A Racehorse Name Have?
Up to 18, including spaces and punctuation, according to Weatherbys.
How Much Does It Cost To Name A Racehorse?
£214 including VAT to register a name for a GB or Irish-bred horse in 2026, or £468.70 for a foreign-bred horse (Weatherbys).
Can You Name A Racehorse After A Person?
Only with permission. Weatherbys won't register the name of a living person, or someone who died less than 50 years ago, without written permission from them or their family.
General information from published prices and terms, not financial advice. Racehorse ownership is a hobby, not an investment. Always read the syndicate agreement before paying anything. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.