Wrestler Racehorses

Anglo Italian

We have followed the four-legged exploits of Naggers, Quasimodo and most successfully of all, Max Ward.

Now Rollerball Rocco is winning races.

Where we have had no success has been in identifying who has been naming their horses after wrestlers from years ago.

Sure, 50 years ago horses were called Jackie Pallo and also Mick McManus. But that was when those two wrestlers were at the height of their fame.

Since we are steeped in pure nostalgia on this site, I remain intrigued as to how these names have been chosen.

Any insights well received.

frank thomas

We also had a racehorse called Billy two rivers..

Another racehorse that did the rounds was called Lord alfie, was told that it was named in honour of judo al hayes, who took the moniker "Lord alfred" when he moved to the states..

PETER

A few years ago at Cheltenham Races there was a horse called King Ben.One of my non wrestling fan friends observed it must be named after the Professional Wrestler.Apparently his only visit to a live event had Dave Findlay versus King Ben in the main event and he never forgot how impressed he was with just that one match!

ballymoss

Max Ward was a very enthusiastic racing fan and was a pioneer in racehorse syndication. It is great news that Max Ward , the horse, is still running well and the great man's name is fondly remembered.

SaxonWolf

Do all of these horses have a common connection?, same stable?, same owner, etc?

frank thomas

Was told that the horse i mentioned "Lord alfie" believed to have been named in honour of judo al hayes, there was some tie in with a connection to Paul lincoln,which makes sense...

SaxonWolf

Yes that would make sense

Anglo Italian

But what is the connection? Alfie was his "inside" name. Al to us and Alfred to the Americans.

Still need to make the tie-up...

ballymoss

Sadly Rollerball Rocco is not living up to his illustrious namesake. He has had two races to date, and has finished last in both contests, starting a 200-1 shot in the latter. Owned and trained by a Mr Pogson, his two performances to date do not augur well for his career. At least Max Ward has actually won some good races. Obviously whoever named these two racehorses were wrestling enthusiasts, but they may not be the current owners. Just for trivia I remember the very tough Pasquale Salvo was a keen follower of horse racing.

Anglo Italian

"Obviously" doesn't solve it.

frank thomas

Can't give you the definitive answer on that one sorry anglo. Only going on what I was told by somebody " in the know" that there was some connection to Paul lincoln..And racehorses names were only allowed a certain number of letters in there names(inclusive of spaces) so maybe Lord alfie fitted the bill

Anglo Italian

18 letters are allowed, including spaces.

David Mantell

Is the human Mark Rocco connected to any of these horses? Kent Walton did once mention that Rocco was a horserider.

ballymoss

Glancing though a book which recorded the 150 year history of an investment trust, I happened to notice that one Max Ward was a director from 2000 to 2011. This Max Ward is quite a famous name in the City and I would guess that the noble racehorse carrying the name Max Ward is named after him, and sadly not the illustrious wrestling referee.

Anglo Italian

Gutted.

Hack

So, an investment banker named after a wrestler. Who would believe it? :):):)

Anglo Italian

Now this I like!!!!

I notice you don't bestow the benefit being upholder of rules and regulations on the banker and prefer to compare him to Max the brawler: very appropriate decision.