Australian champion Winx has been named the most popular horse by online voters from more than 60 countries.
The Secretariat Vox Populi Award recognises the horse whose popularity and racing excellence best resonates with the general public.
The award was created by Penny Chenery, owner of the incomparable Secretariat, to honour horses that may not be necessarily be the most successful.
Winx, who raced seven times for seven wins in 2018, was the top choice among United States voters as well as international fans.
The custom-made Vox Populi trophy will be presented to the connections of Winx on January 12 at Santa Anita Park.
“Racing certainly offered many historical and heartwarming stories in 2018,” Kate Chenery Tweedy, daughter of Penny Chenery, said.
“And once again, the ‘Voice of the People’ spoke very clearly. The fact that both the American public and voters abroad were not limited by international borders is a wonderful testament to the growth of the award and the winner’s global appeal.
“Winx represents everything Mom envisioned when she created this award and reaffirms her notion that a beloved horse will captivate fans and draw interest to the sport no matter where they race.”
Trained by Chris Waller and ridden by jockey Hugh Bowman, Winx is owned by Peter Tighe’s Magic Bloodstock, Debbie Kepitis and Richard Treweeke.
Winx came out on top over Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Accelerate, Triple Crown winner Justify, champion US filly Monomoy Girl and dual Arc winner Enable.
The mare is in the spelling paddock with a decision on her racing future expected by Christmas.
