Secretariat "Vox Populi" Award
Winners' History
“Horse racing already has established avenues to award outstanding accomplishments, and we certainly should honor superior performance. 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 be an honor that reflects the heart and soul of racing and will help build upon the devotion the public has for a horse they love.”
~ Penny Chenery, 2010
The coveted Secretariat Vox Populi Award bronze trophy annually presented to the winning connections.
From the covers of national magazines in 1973 to the silver screen in 2010 to the 50th anniversary celebration of his record-breaking Triple Crown, “America’s Horse” Secretariat captured the heart of a nation. In January of 2011, his celebrated owner, Penny Chenery, announced the creation of an award that annually recognized a horse whose popularity and racing excellence best resounded with the American public and gained recognition for the sport during the year. The award was the first of its kind in horse racing.
Below is the complete Secretariat "Vox Populi' Award winner history as portrayed by artist Jaime Corum.
2023
Cody's Wish
In 2023, Cody's Wish became the first back-to-back winner of the award, exemplifying the profound connection between the human and equine spirit.
2022
Cody's Wish
In 2022, Cody's Wish and the special bond he shared with teenage namesake Cody Dorman provided the endearing story that captured hearts across the globe.
2021
Hot Rod Charlie
In 2021, Hot Rod Charlie represented a perfect blend of talent and competitive resolve, attracting interest in racing from a new generation of fans.
2020
Authentic
In 2020, Authentic, with more than 5000 avid microshare owners, changed the face of the racing industry and created a whole new level of participation in the sport.
2019
Bricks and Mortar
In 2019, Bricks and Mortar was the Award's recipient after recovering from illness and embarking on an undefeated season racing at six different tracks.
"Vox 2018
Winx
In 2018, Australian Super-Mare and global sensation Winx becomes the first internationally raced winner of the "Vox Populi" award.
2017
Ben's Cat
In 2017, Ben's Cat, the beloved equine veteran whose racing career spanned eight years was posthumously awarded the "Vox Populi" Award.
2016
California Chrome
In 2016, California Chrome became the first two-time "Vox Populi" winner, showcasing his talent in a comeback campaign that delighted fans both domestically and abroad.
2015
American Pharoah
In 2015, the "Vox Populi" was awarded to American Pharoah, whose victorious Triple Crown campaign was the first in 37 years, adding his name to an elite list of horses in history to win the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes.
2014
California Chrome
In 2014, the winner was California Chrome, the "people's horse" whose modest connections and Cinderella story captured the affection of racing fans and "Chromie" followers along the way to Horse of the Year honors.
2013
Mucho Macho Man
In 2013, Mucho Macho Man earned the award in a racing campaign that was dramatically punctuated by his thrilling photo finish victory in the Breeders' Cup Classic.
2012
Paynter
In 2012, the third winner of the “Vox Populi” Award was Paynter, whose racing determination and courage off the track overcoming a life-threatening illness endeared him to millions.
2011
Rapid Redux
In 2011, the second Secretariat "Vox Populi" or “Voice of the People” Award, was awarded to Rapid Redux who set a modern-era record with 22 consecutive wins by an American horse and tied the great Citation with 19 wins in a single season.
2010 Inaugural
Zenyatta
In 2010, the brilliant racemare Zenyatta was celebrated as the inaugural winner of the Secretariat “Vox Populi” Award. Perhaps the most beloved champion since Secretariat himself, Zenyatta's only loss in her 20-race career was a narrow defeat in her final start in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
In 2010, Penny Chenery shared her vision for the Secretariat "Vox Populi" Award:
Q & A with Penny Chenery about the Secretariat "Vox Populi" Award
What is the Secretariat "Vox Populi" Award?
"Vox Populi" is an age-old Latin expression that literally means "voice of the people." The award gives recognition to the horse that generated the most fan response during the year.
What motivated you to create the Award?
Racing has an established award system in place that is fundamentally based on past performance. But there is nothing that honors the horse that best captures the attention and affection of the public. The fans are the life-blood of our sport and their collective "voice" deserves to be heard and formally recognized. In the past decade alone, extremely popular horses like Funny Cide, Smarty Jones, and Barbaro all captivated the imagination of the public but were ultimately left unrecognized in terms of traditional divisional year-end honors. How can we, as an industry, expect the rest of the world to embrace our sport when we don't annually honor our most beloved horses internally?
How will the winner of the Award be decided?
Each year the winner will be selected based upon the horse who most resonates with the public and gains recognition for the sport. I envision a democratic process involving a diverse panel of distinguished racing personalities and representatives, from within and outside the industry, working together in unison with the "voice" of the general public. The selection process will involve the utilization of an open on-line poll to help quantify public opinion.
What is the Secretariat "Vox Populi" Award's relationship to the Eclipse Awards?
The Eclipse Awards recognizes the “professional’s” choice based upon the evaluation of statistical track performances. The Secretariat “Vox Populi” Award measures the “public’s” choice and their emotional sentiment. While the Secretariat “Vox Populi” Award may or may not be bestowed upon an Eclipse Award candidate, it is simply not concerned or constrained by who beat whom in which race. The Award reflects who the fans were pulling for. And it is not meant to conflict with the Eclipse Awards but to enhance how we honor our racing heroes.
How will the Secretariat "Vox Populi" Award be presented?
An award that speaks for the public should allow the public to participate in its ceremony. It is my hope the presentation to the winner can take place at a public racing venue where fans of any age are invited to come and celebrate the winner's accomplishments and express their affection with the connections.
What is your future vision for the Secretariat "Vox Populi" Award?
I would like it to provide an ongoing platform for the voice of the fans to honor the horses they love, a touchstone for what they deem best and brightest within our sport.