Newsdate: Wed, 14 Jan 2015 - 07:10 am
Location: DEL MAR, California

If there was any doubt that California Chrome was the most popular racehorse in 2014, the results of the Secretariat Vox Populi vote made it clear. California Chrome, winner of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, received the Secretariat Vox Populi Award (also known as the People’s Choice Award) on Saturday, January 10, at Santa Anita, California.

Victor Espinoza, jockey, riding California Chrome

California Chrome, winner of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, received the Secretariat Vox Populi Award (also known as the People’s Choice Award) on Saturday, January 10, at Santa Anita.
© 2015 by Bill Brine

The award recognizes “the horse whose popularity and racing excellence best resounded with the American public and gained recognition for thoroughbred racing.” Penny Chenery, owner of Triple Crown champion Secretariat, established the award in 2010.

“This is such an amazing honor and we are so grateful to receive this award from Mrs. Chenery and the fans,” said co-owner Steve Coburn said. “We have always said Chrome is the ‘People’s Horse’ and we are thrilled that the public feels the same way we do about him.”

California Chrome now joins previous Vox Populi winners Mucho Macho Man (2013), Paynter (2012), Rapid Redux (2011) and Zenyatta (inaugural 2010).

“Everyone loves a Cinderella story, and this one was no exception,” Chenery. “California Chrome, a proven champion and formidable competitor, reminded us that it doesn’t matter from whence we came but rather how we dance when we get to the ball. Furthermore, his inspiring story and engaging popularity reached beyond the racetrack stands and into the conversation of a nation. I am looking forward to seeing California Chrome build upon his success during his 4-year-old season.”

The entire California Chrome team was at the racetrack at 11 a.m. to sign autographs. It was a chance for fans to get autographs from jockey Victor Espinoza, trainer Art Sherman and owners Coburn and Perry Martin. The first 2,000 to arrive received a free signed California Chrome poster.