Station One, Yahoo Bar and Hurco are all named for businesses that used to operate in Shepparton when Mr Howley was growing up in the region.
All three geldings are out of the same mare, Alittle Loose, who inspired the naming theme.
First came Station One, which Mr Howley landed on when he was “looking for an iconic name that was synonymous with Shepparton”.
The name comes from a nightclub that used to be located in the Sherbourne Hotel.
Mr Howley said the now eight-year-old gelding “turned out to be a really good horse”.
Station One won four of the seven Victorian country cups that he raced in during the most recent season.
He is now one of three finalists for Country Racing Victoria’s Horse of the Year.
The winner will be announced on August 22.
Mr Howley believes Station One could end up one of the best horses in country racing.
Six-year-old Yahoo Bar came next, named for a nightclub that closed in 2018 after 20 years hosting Shepparton’s alternative music scene.
Four-year-old Hurco is named for the Hurco Café, which Mr Howley remembers for its fish and chips.
The identifiable names have led to people approaching him to talk about the horses, even outside Shepparton.
Mr Howley said he had been “blown away by the reach of the venues, and it always helps when you’ve got a good horse”.
Mr Howley has recently acquired another younger brother of the three horses and will be looking for another name to continue the theme.
