Vox Populi Award to California Chrome

California Chrome (Lucky Pulpit), North American racing's all-time leading earner, has been named the 2016 Secretariat Vox Populi Award winner. The award recognizes the horse whose popularity and racing excellence best resounded with the American public and gained recognition for Thoroughbred racing. California Chrome also received the award after winning the GI Kentucky Derby and GI Preakness S. in 2014.

Penny Chenery, owner of Secretariat, inaugurated the award in 2010 in honor of the 1973 Triple Crown winner. California Chrome was among this year's nominees selected by Chenery and the Vox Populi Committee. The 5-year-old was then selected by an on-line poll which attracted voters from 40 countries.

“The far-reaching participation we received from this year's Vox Populi voters has been quite thrilling,” said Chenery. “This global enthusiasm and California Chrome's repeat selection are testament to both his athletic excellence and his abiding appeal among racing fans. In both the sports and entertainment realms, we have seen some names repeatedly receive honors, and it is those stars who typically become the all-time greats in their field. I think we are seeing California Chrome's emergence as an enduring racing celebrity propelling him to a new level of stardom.”

California Chrome's 2016 campaign included wins in the G1 Dubai World Cup, GI Pacific Classic and GI Awesome Again S., as well as a runner-up effort in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic. After an expected start in the Jan. 28 GI Pegasus World Cup, the strapping chestnut will take up stud duties at Taylor Made Farm.

“This horse has given us one stratospheric ride,” said co-owner Perry Martin. “I continue to be amazed by his courage, athleticism and his will to win. Mostly though, I'm proud to witness the love and devotion of Chrome's fans. They've always seen what I've seen in him. Winning the Vox Populi Award two years ago was an incredible honor, and it is just as terrific the second time around.”

The Chenery family will present the custom-made Vox Populi trophy to the California Chrome team on Jan. 14 at Santa Anita Park.