Radiohead the Horse Set for Kentucky Derby

Radiohead are one of the most successful avant garde rock bands in the world. Now they have got a tribute in four-legged form; as Rolling Stone reports, Radiohead is also the name of one of the potential contenders for the Kentucky Derby.

The three-year-old chestnut colt is 20-1 with the bookies to win the race on May 1 , as well as a trophy and $2m (£1.3m) in prize money. The Kentucky Derby claims to be the greatest race in the world, and is certainly the pinnacle in the US horse-racing calendar.

Speaking to the Miami Herald, Dutrow Jr. said, "He's a cool, happy, curious horse. He's very proud of himself. He's game, you know. He's game for an idea. He knows he's going to have to show he can run against good horses."

Much like Thom Yorke's famously grumpy reputation, it seems Radiohead is a bit temperamental. Dutrow Jr. said, "He'll try to take a chance and bite you."

As Rolling Stone points out, Radiohead's great-grandfather was named "Danzig" and the English-bred horse is named for the band, not the Talking Heads song that inspired the moniker.


Everyone's best friend, Google, reveals that Radiohead are not the only band to be honoured in such a way. Phil Cunningham tends to name his gee gees after songs, and has at one time or another raced Cockney Rebel, Heroes, When Doves Cry, Folsomprisonblues and Billie Jean.

Radiohead, if he wins, could be set for the prestigious Triple Crown, which no one has won since 1978. To obtain that plaudit, the horse would have to win the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes later in the year. Let's hope he's 'Lucky' and doesn't get 'Let Down' going round 'The Bends.'