John Asher, the affable voice and face of Churchill Downs for more than two decades as its long-time vice president of communications, died suddenly on Monday while vacationing with his family in Florida. He was 62.
Beloved throughout the racing industry and in the wider Louisville community, Asher joined the Churchill Downs family in 1997 after a long and successful radio career that included stops at WHAS-AM and WAVE-AM. During his stint at those stations, Asher earned five Eclipse Awards for “Outstanding National Radio Coverage of Thoroughbred Racing.”
“John was the warm, human face of Churchill Downs,” said Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert. “I was always happy to see him, and I will miss him. He was as Kentucky as the Derby and the Bluegrass, bourbon and hot browns, and I can’t imagine Derby week without him. The heartfelt condolences of everyone in our barn go out to his family and his friends.”
A native of Leitchfield, Kentucky, Asher was a proud graduate of Western Kentucky University, where he majored in journalism, and a vocal supporter of Hilltopper athletics. As his countless friends and colleagues could attest, Asher was also an avid music aficionado and restaurant connoisseur.
Asher’s love for Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby, including their histories and traditions, made him the perfect ambassador for both. “It’s always sunny and 75 on Kentucky Derby Day,” Asher was wont to say.
“His passion for the Kentucky Derby, horse racing, his WKU Hilltoppers, great music, and above all else his loving family was genuine and infectious,” said Kevin Flannery, president of Churchill Downs Racetrack. “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.”
Asher’s other horse industry honors include 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; the Dean Eagle Award from the Knights of Columbus Bishop Spalding Council No. 2761; and a media award from the Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association.
His general reporting was recognized with national honors that included a National Headliner Award and Scripps-Howard Award, and regional honors from the Society of Professional Journalists, Radio & Television News Directors Association and Kentucky Broadcasters Association. He was honored seven times by the Associated Press as Kentucky’s radio’s “Best Reporter” in large market radio.
Asher is survived by his wife, Dee; daughters Heather, Erin, and Emma; and grandsons Cameron and Caden. Plans for a memorial service are pending.
Industry members and their thoughts on John Asher’s legacy:
“It’s impossible to put into words what John’s passing means. Having known and worked with him for 20 years it’s no stretch to say John’s passion for the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs and the city of Louisville was unmatched. The Derby without John Asher won’t be the same. He helped scores of journalists through the years, offering insight, story ideas and sometimes even in-depth little-known facts about the race. Perhaps more importantly he got to know the men and women who covered the race and made a point to reach out to them during the course of the week. I was looking forward to seeing him at the Breeders’ Cup this fall and again at next year’s Derby. To me John’s presence at the Derby was as much a tradition as any of the others, and his presence will be profoundly missed.”
–Tom Law, President of the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters (NTWAB)
Whenever @johnasher came around I knew a hearty laugh, a good story or kind words would soon follow. His passion for @ChurchillDowns and the @KentuckyDerby was infectious. Family, horse racing, great music, good food, laughs… what a life he led. Sad day.
— Travis Stone (@TravisStone) August 27, 2018
Crushed & devastated to learn John Asher has passed. Such an amazing man. Kind, caring & knowledgeable, John was an important mentor to me. Kentucky Derby & horse racing has lost a great ambassador & advocate. RIP
— James Scully (@James_Scully111) August 27, 2018
Shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of my friend and colleague John Asher. @johnasher you will be missed.
— Gary Stevens (@GStevens_jockey) August 27, 2018
We are deeply saddened to lose one of racing’s legends, @johnasher. Never without a smile and an uplifting word, he shared his knowledge, grace, and enthusiasm with all. He will be dearly missed by everyone at Breeders’ Cup. We extend our deepest sympathies to Dee and his family. pic.twitter.com/Dw9gxYGUax
— Breeders’ Cup (@BreedersCup) August 27, 2018
Shocked and 💔 over the passing @johnasher. He was like my favorite uncle. A person I could look to for guidance, but also a friend. He is a horse racing and @ChurchillDowns icon. On the personal side, we shared a love of music. Mr. Asher, this is for you https://t.co/RayRpEpnKh
— Joe Kristufek (@JoeyDaKRacing) August 27, 2018
