Goldikova, Havre de Grace, and Rapid Redux Vox Populi Award nominees

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Online voting has opened for the Secretariat Vox Populi Award, which honors the racehorse “whose popularity and racing excellence resounded most with the American public and gained recognition for the sport during the past year,” according to a release issued by Secretariat.com., the website which hosts the online poll.

This year’s nominees are Rapid Redux, who Tuesday equaled Citation’s modern-day U.S. record for victories in a single calendar year; Goldikova, the three-time winner of the Breeders’ Cup Mile who finished third in her fourth attempt this season; Havre de Grace, the 4-year-old filly who won three Grade 1 races this year and is a contender for Horse of the Year honors; and Uncle Mo, last year’s 2-year-old champion who made a fall comeback from a liver disease.

Voting ends Jan. 2. The winner will receive a presentation on Jan. 15 at Santa Anita.

The winner will be selected based on three factors: Fans’ votes in the online poll, opinions of Vox Populi committee members, and input from Penny Chenery, owner and breeder of 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat. The Vox Populi Committee members are horse racing television commentator Charlsie Cantey, Hall of fame jockey Steve Cauthen, Secretariat film producer Mark Ciardi, former Triple Crown Productions executive Ed Seigenfeld, National Thoroughbred Racing Association media relations representative Eric Wing, and racing telecast producer Amy Zimmerman.

Chenery established the award last year. Zenyatta was the inaugural winner.