Memorial services set for Churchill spokesman John Asher

The heartfelt tributes to John Asher have absolutely poured in since the longtime vice president for racing communications at Churchill Downs died Monday at age 62 from an apparent heart attack while on a family vacation in Orlando, Fla.

Among the dignitaries who have elaborately praised Asher for his exemplary life and work are Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth (D-Ky), and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, along with thousands of horsemen, racing officials, friends, colleagues, and fans. One commenter opined that the “avalanche” of expressions of sympathy has been the most widespread for a Louisville personality since Muhammad Ali died in June 2016.

Churchill will host nine hours of visitation on Tuesday (Sept. 4) from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and a funeral service will follow Wednesday (Sept. 5) at 2 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Assumption on 5th Street in Louisville.

Event honors Shantel Lanerie

A charity poker tournament and dinner-dance to benefit the Shantel Lanerie Breast Cancer Foundation has been set for the evening of Oct. 14 at the Kentucky Castle just west of Keeneland. Shantel Lanerie, the wife of jockey Corey Lanerie, died June 22 at age 42.

Live and silent auctions and a 50-50 raffle also will be held. Tickets are $100. Full details are available at playtogiveky.com.

◗ Scott Harris, known as “Gold Room Scotty” to big bettors during his lengthy tenure in customer service at Churchill, died Saturday from liver disease. He was 47.