Paynter Awarded 2012 Vox Populi Award

The 2012 Vox Populi award winner Paynter and his connections will receive the custom made Vox Populi trophy today at Santa Anita Park at 3:00 PM PST. The Vox Populi award will be presented by Mrs. Chenery, who established the “people’s choice” award in 2010.

Paynter won the hearts of horseracing fans not only by his impressive 2012 season, but also with his tenacious fight to beat laminitis. Zayat Stables continuously updated fans on social media sites of Paynter’s battle with the same disease that clamed the lives of Secretariant and Barbaro. Veterinarians say Paynter has beat the painful disease that attacks the tissue of the hooves and is expected to return to racing in 2013.

Paynter’s fans are extremely vocal. Paynter was a late entry on the 2012 Vox Populi ballot after adoring fans demanding he be added to the list of nominees. Panter emerged as the consensus choice for the 2012 Vox Populi award winner among fans, online voters, the Vox Populi committee, and Mrs. Chenery.

Mrs. Chenery said, “Paynter’s popularity stems from his ability to battle and exceed expectations, making him the perfect choice as the recipient of this year’s Vox Populi Award. After seeing firsthand the devastating affects of this disease, I am even more convinced that the industry must continue to diligently fight laminitis. The progress we have made to date clearly benefited Paynter — a beautiful colt with a tremendous spirit.”

Lady and The Track would like to congratulate Paynter, Zayat Stables, trainer Bob Baffert, and Paynter’s connections on winning the 2012 Vox Populi award!

If you’d like to show Paynter some love, be sure to check out this awesome Power UP Paynter tee shirt by Overlay Apparel. I’m ordering mine now!