Edited Press Release
Santa Anita Park will honor California Chrome (Lucky Pulpit) as the winner of the Secretariat “Vox Populi” (Voice of the People) Award Saturday, Jan. 10, with “Chrome's” connections scheduled to be on-hand prior to the races for a special autograph session that will include a free California Chrome poster to the first 2,000 fans attending the session, which begins at 11 a.m.
Presented annually for the fifth time, the “Vox Populi” Award was established by Mrs. Penny Chenery, owner of 1973 Triple Crown Champion Secretariat. California Chrome was a handy winner among a record number of online voters. “Chrome” basked in the national spotlight throughout 2014, winning six of his nine starts, including the GI Santa Anita Derby, GI Kentucky Derby, GI Preakness S. and GI Hollywood Derby.
Regular rider Victor Espinoza and trainer Art Sherman, along with California Chrome owners Steve Coburn and Perry Martin, will be available to sign autographs beginning at 11 a.m. in Santa Anita's East Paddock Gardens. The actual presentation of the “Vox Populi” Award will take place later in the day in a winner's circle ceremony between races.
California Chrome joins previous “Vox Populi” winners Mucho Macho Man (2013), Paynter (2012), Rapid Redux (2011) and Zenyatta, who was the inaugural winner in 2010.
“Everyone loves a Cinderella story, and this one was no exception,” said Mrs. 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 Vox Populi Award ceremony will be broadcast live on HRTV and Coburn and Martin have announced they will be donating race-worn silks from “Chrome's” winning effort in the GII San Felipe S. for auction, with proceeds to benefit the Secretariat Foundation and other equine charities.
For more information about the Secretariat “Vox Populi” Award and the California Chrome silks auction, fans are encouraged to visit Secretariat.com, the official website for the legendary Triple Crown Champion.
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