Racehorse owner insists ‘Austrian Painter’ name had nothing to do with Hitler

Austrian Painter won his debut race this weekend (Picture: Getty)

A racing horse is in the midst of an online firestorm after concerns over its ‘Hitler-linked name’ were raised.

Owner and breeder Scott Herbertson entered ‘Austrian Painter’ in his first debut race this week in Indianapolis.

But the Jockey Club ordered Herbertson to rename his horse after multiple complaints alleged that it referenced Adolf Hitler.

As a young man, Hitler painted thousands of pieces but failed to become an artist in Vienna before World War One.

He was twice rejected from the Vienna ...