http://www.slate.com/articles/sports/sports_nut/2015/05/preakness_2015_here_s_how_racehorse_names_like_american_pharoah_got_so_long.html

One of the best parts of Triple Crown season is seeing what strange and wonderful names the winning horses inevitably have. This year, American Pharoah—with his untraditional spelling—crossed the line first in the Kentucky Derby, beating out horses like Danzig Moon, Mubtaahij, and Ocho Ocho Ocho. But it wasn't always the case that every racehorse had a mouthful of a name. Ever heard of the winner of the 1889 Belmont Stakes? It was Eric. Not Eric the Pharoah, Eric Moon, Erictaahij, or Ocho Ocho Eric—it was just Eric. When the horses turned down the stretch, the drama hinged on Eric.