California Chrome Will Be Honored Jan. 10

Blood-Horse

The connections of California Chrome are expected to be on hand at Santa Anita Park Jan. 10 when the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner is honored with the Secretariat Vox Populi “Voice of the People” Award.

Track officials said that prior to the races, there will be a special autograph session that includes a free California Chrome poster to the first 2,000 fans attending the session.

Presented for the fifth time, the “Vox Populi” Award was established by Penny Chenery, owner of 1973 Triple Crown Champion Secretariat. In addition to the Derby as one of six wins in nine starts, the Lucky Pulpit colt also won the Santa Anita Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Hollywood Derby (all grade I).

Regular rider Victor Espinoza and trainer Art Sherman, along with California Chrome owners Steve Coburn and Perry Martin, will be available to sign autographs beginning at 11 a.m. PST in Santa Anita’s East Paddock Gardens. The presentation of the Vox Populi Award will take place later in the day during a winner’s circle ceremony between races.

The Vox Populi Award ceremony will be broadcast live on HRTV, and Coburn and Martin have announced they will donate race-worn silks from “Chrome’s” California Chrome’s winning effort in the San Felipe Stakes (gr. II) for auction, with proceeds to benefit the Secretariat Foundation and other equine charities.