Penny Chenery, who raced the great Secretariat, has announced that Horse of the Year Zenyatta will be the recipient of the inaugural Secretariat Vox Populi (“Voice of the People”) Award.
According to a release from Secretariat.com, the “first of its kind in horse racing” award “will annually recognize a horse whose popularity and racing excellence best resounded with the American public and gained recognition for the sport during the past year.”
Ann and Jerry Moss, who own Zenyatta, will be presented with the custom-made Vox Populi trophy by Chenery during a ceremony at Santa Anita Park on Feb. 5.
“Horse racing already has established avenues to award outstanding accomplishments, and we certainly should honor superior performance,” Chenery said. “But achievement can be measured in many ways, and fans occasionally feel a disconnect when the horses who most impacted the public are not recognized through the traditional equine awards. The industry is long overdue in annually acknowledging the star horse who brings the most excitement and attention to the sport. It is my hope that the Secretariat Vox Populi Award will achieve that purpose.”
Although Chenery selected this year’s recipient, plans are in place for a committee to choose the winner each year, in conjunction with a national online vote.
“I think racing fans will be just as excited about this award as I am, and we welcome everyone to come and share in the presentation festivities on Feb. 5,” Chenery said. “The award is sure to be an honor that reflects the heart and soul of this sport and will help build upon the devotion the public has for a horse they love.”
For more information about the Secretariat Vox Populi Award, visit www.Secretariat.com,