LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — The woman who owned Secretariat has created an award to be given annually to the horse whose popularity and racing excellence resonates most with the American public.
Penny Chenery said Wednesday the inaugural winner of the Secretariat Vox Populi Award or “Voice of the People” will be given to Zenyatta, who had a 19-1 record before retiring in November.
Zenyatta won the Eclipse Award as Horse of the Year on Monday.
Chenery will present her award to Zenyatta’s owners, Jerry and Ann Moss, at Santa Anita in Arcadia, Calif., on Feb. 5.
Chenery says the racing industry is long overdue in annually acknowledging a horse who brings the most excitement and attention to the sport.
Chenery personally selected Zenyatta as this year’s winner, but starting next year, a committee of racing personalities and industry representatives will choose the winner along with a national online vote.
