Kentucky-bred Cody’s Wish has been voted the first ever back-to-back winner of the Secretariat Vox Populi Award, it was announced in December. Secretariat’s owner Penny Chenery created the award in 2010 to recognize the racehorse whose popularity and racing excellence resonated with the public and gained recognition for the sport. The award presentation will take place Jan. 13 at Santa Anita Park.

Owned by Godolphin and trained by Bill Mott, Cody’s Wish is linked with his namesake, the late Cody Dorman, who passed away on Nov. 5, just six weeks shy of his 18th birthday and a day after witnessing Cody’s Wish win the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) for the second straight year. In 2023, Cody’s Wish won the Churchill Downs S. (G1), the Metropolitan H. (G1), the Vosburgh S. (G2), and finished third in the Whitney S. (G1).

“Cody’s Wish embodies all that the Secretariat Vox Populi Award represents,” Kate Chenery Tweedy, daughter of Penny Chenery, said in a release. “He has wowed us with his performances on the racetrack and touched countless people’s hearts with his profound connection with Cody Dorman. In this 50th anniversary of Secretariat’s Triple Crown, it is inspiring to see the twin legacies of Cody and Cody’s Wish honored through this award.”

Cody’s Wish retired from racing with 11 wins in 16 starts and career earnings of $3,106,030. He stands for a stud fee of $75,000 at Godolphin’s Jonabell Farm. Nominees for the award were submitted by Vox Populi committee, comprised of personalities from within and outside the racing industry.