Chrome’ Wins Vox Populi Award
Steven Coburn and Perry Martin’s GI Kentucky Derby and GI Preakness S. hero California Chrome (Lucky Pulpit) was selected as the 2014 Vox Populi Award winner in an online poll with input from the Vox Populi Committee and Penny Chenery. Also known as the ‘Voice of the People’ Award for the horse that resonates most with the American public, the honor was established by Chenery, owner of Triple Crown winner Secretariat, in 2010. The Art Sherman trainee scored in six of his nine trips to the post this season including the GI Santa Anita Derby, GI Hollywood Derby, GII San Felipe S. and ran third in the GI Breeders’ Cup Classic in addition to his two Classic triumphs. Along the way, the blaze-faced chestnut garnered a legion of fans known as ‘Chromies’ as he appeared from coast to coast from March to November. California Chrome was part of an exclusive group of Vox Populi nominees selected by the Vox Populi Committee and Penny Chenery.
“This is such an amazing honor and we are so grateful to receive this award from Mrs. Chenery and the fans,” 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 joins previous Vox Populi winners Mucho Macho Man (2013), Paynter (2012), Rapid Redux (2011) and inaugural winner Zenyatta. The 3-year-old accumulated more votes than fellow Vox Populi nominees Ben’s Cat (Parker’s Storm Cat), Game On Dude (Awesome Again), Shared Belief (Candy Ride {Arg}), Untapable (Tapit) and Wise Dan (Wiseman’s Ferry).
“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 trophy will be presented by Penny Chenery’s designees to California Chrome’s connections at Santa Anita Park Jan. 10 and broadcast on HRTV. The California Chrome team will be available to sign autographs starting at 2:00 p.m Eastern Time. A set of racing silks worn by regular pilot Victor Espinoza during the sophomore’s GII San Felipe S. victory will also be auctioned off with the proceeds benefitting the Secretariat Foundation among other equine oriented charities. For more information go to www.secretariat.com.