Churchill Downs spokesman John Asher dies at 62

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – John Asher, whose love for horse racing and the Kentucky Derby steered him away from a highly successful career in radio and made him the lead spokesman for Churchill Downs as vice president of communications, died of an apparent heart attack Monday morning while on a family vacation in Orlando, Fla. He was 62.

Asher, gifted with a remarkably deep and soothing voice, won the Eclipse Award for audio presentation five times (1988, 89, 90, 92, 94) when working for Louisville radio stations before going to work for Churchill in January 1997. He became a highly visible spokesman for the track, serving as moderator for numerous functions, most notably the annual post-position draw for the Kentucky Derby. He was widely known by horsemen, colleagues, and fans as friendly and approachable, and news of his death comes as a stunning blow to the Louisville and racing communities and beyond.

“To say that racing has lost one of its giants with the passing of John Asher does not begin to capture the impact this man has had and will continue to have on the Churchill Downs family,” Kevin Flanery, president of Churchill Downs racetrack, said in a release. “His passion for the Kentucky Derby, horseracing, his WKU Hilltoppers, great music, and above all else his loving family was genuine and infectious. Racing has lost an icon. I, and many others, have lost a kind and generous friend. We will miss John’s laugh, his unmistakable voice, and his unique storytelling. Our hearts and prayers are with his [family]."

Asher was the recipient of numerous awards in the racing and radio industries, including the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners’ Warner L. Jones Jr. Horseman of the Year award in 2006; the Charles W. Engelhard Award for excellence in media coverage from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders; and being named “Best Reporter” seven times by the Associated Press for large-market radio in Kentucky.

Born and raised in Leitchfield, Ky., Asher was a graduate of Western Kentucky University. He is survived by his wife, Dee; three daughters; and two grandsons. Memorial services are pending.