Awards Season

The Golden Globes are over and we know which movies will be the front runners for the big prize. Zenyatta finally takes the Eclipse. Now there is something new on the horizon.

Here is the text of the article direct from Santa Anita:

PENNY CHENERY ANNOUNCES CREATION OF SECRETARIAT VOX POPULI AWARD

Zenyatta to be Celebrated as Inaugural Winner in Feb. 5 Ceremony at Santa Anita Park

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Jan. 19, 2011) – From the covers of national magazines to more recently the silver screen, “America’s Horse” Secretariat captured the heart of a nation. Today, his celebrated owner, Penny Chenery, announced the creation of an award that 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. The award is the first of its kind in horse racing.

The inaugural Secretariat Vox Populi Award, or “Voice of the People,” will be awarded to Zenyatta, the brilliant mare whose only loss in her 20-race career was a nail-biting defeat in the Breeders’ Cup Classic last October. Owned by Ann and Jerry Moss, Zenyatta is also the recent winner of the 2010 Eclipse Horse of the Year Award and considered one of the most popular horses ever to have raced. Chenery is scheduled to present the custom-made Vox Populi trophy to the Mosses in a public 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 of both distinguished racing personalities and industry representatives to choose the winner each year going forward 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, the official website for the legendary Thoroughbred champion. Celebrating racing's past to enrich its future, Secretariat.com is a comprehensive online source for historical information, photography, merchandise, and memorabilia chronicling the enduring legacy of America's Horse.

Santa Anita Park

My prediction for next year's winner is Uncle Mo.