Vegas Knight Is Not Horsing Around

It’s no secret that the Vegas Golden Knights have amassed a worldwide fanbase since their historic inaugural season. Supporters span continents, lifestyles, backgrounds… and even species.

Down under in the Australian outback, there’s a thoroughbred racehorse who carries the name Vegas Knight, named after his owners favorite NHL franchise.

When Ralph and Nakia Burd acquired the horse, who was born on October 5, 2016 — exactly one year and one day before the Golden Knights played their first game ever — they knew he needed a winning name. In keeping with tradition, the couple decided to pay tribute to their new acquisitions sire, who was named “Declaration of War.” That on top of the fact that Burd’s own a holiday home in the Vegas Valley provided the perfect inspiration for the name.

“[Nakia] knew this horse was going to be, as she likes to say in true Vegas fashion, a ‘Big Winner,’” said Ralph in an email.

In the four starts that Vegas Knight has had, he’s had one win and two placings.

“As the Trainer of Vegas Knight, who also a part owner, stated to my wife, there is no bad name as long as the runner is a winner,” said Ralph. “My wife begs to differ, she believes this horse will continue to be a great runner because his name shines the name of the greatest winning hockey team of all time, the Vegas Golden Knights.”