| Penny Chenery Announces Creation of Secretariat Vox Populi Award
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.
* * *
Mary Lou Whitney's acceptance speech upon receiving the 2010 Eclipse Award of Merit on January 17, 2011, Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel:
I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this prestigious award. I have loved the sport of Thoroughbred racing ever since Sonny Whitney introduced me to it in 1958. I am grateful for the honor—in a small way—to carry on the traditions of the Whitney family who have been in this business since 1894. Horses and people involved in racing have always given me more than I could ever give them. Horse racing is where I feel the most alive and at home. You are my family.
Being part of the horse racing family is a pleasure and a privilege but also it means responsibility. Many first-time owners get very frustrated that they don’t achieve instant success. However, over the years, we have all learned success as an owner means our horses have finished a race unhurt. As owners, you have to be accountable to the horses—all horses—from the beginning of their lives to the end. We are advocates together. One must fight to ensure that there will be another never, ever horse slaughtered in America.
Another obligation we must share is to our backstretch workers. They are the sport’s unsung heroes. These wonderful people work long hours in dangerous situations while often living in poor conditions. All of us should try more to improve their lives and advance their dignity.
We also need to know that racing is not just about betting. The beauty, the pageantry and flair is what separates our sport from any out there. Every race meet must be an extraordinary event. The only place to be. As we look to the future we must also pass on the passion and the excitement of this wondrous sport to the next generation is our obligation. A candle loses nothing by lighting another.
Thank you for honoring me tonight with this most prestigious award in our industry. There are so many others who deserve this before me, however, I want you to know that you have given me one of the greatest moments of my life, and I am forever grateful. Tomorrow I am going to wake up inspired to do more for the horses and for you, the people I love. May God bless you and this wonderful sport. | 
