User:Annointed777/John Asher (horse racing)

John Asher
Occupation	Journalist, Publicist, VP of Racing Communications Churchill Downs
Born	(1955-11-22)November 22, 1955 Leitchfield, Kentucky
Died	August 27, 2018(2018-08-27) (aged 62) Orlando, Florida
Spouse	Dee Asher
Children	3 daughters; Heather, Erin and Emma; and two Grandsons Cameron and Caden
Racing awards
Eclipse Award for outstanding National Radio Coverage of Thoroughbred racing (1988, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1994) Big Sport of Turfdom Award (2018}
Honors
Summit Award (2008) Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners Warner L. Jones, Je. Horseman of the Year. (2005) "Volunteer of the Year" Kentuckian Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International. (2004)

John Stephen Asher (22 November 1955 - 27 August 2018). Asher was a celebrated American sports journalist and public relations professional who significantly impacted the horse racing industry. He began his career in radio news, where he gained recognition and multiple awards for his coverage before moving into public relations at Churchill Downs, the iconic home of the Kentucky Derby.

Asher joined Churchill Downs in 1997 and served as the Vice President of Racing Communications there from 1999 until his passing in 2018.He earned the nickname "Mr. Derby" for his extensive knowledge of Thoroughbred racing and his dedication to promoting the Kentucky Derby. Asher was known for his commitment to his principle of always prioritizing the welfare of horses, encapsulated in the guiding motto: "Let's do what's right and protect the horse."

With his distinctive baritone voice and skill as a storyteller, Asher became a prominent ambassador for the Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs, established himself as a leading figure in Thoroughbred racing public relations. Throughout his career, he received numerous accolades, including five Eclipse Awards for "Outstanding National Radio Coverage of Thoroughbred racing," solidifying his reputation as one of the most respected voices in the sport.

While vacationing with his wife in Orlando, Florida, Asher experienced an unexpected medical emergency and passed away on the morning of Aug 27th, 2018 due to an apparent heart attack on the way to the hospital. Kevin Flanery, then president of Churchill Downs stated after Asher's passing, "Racing has lost an icon." He described Asher as having a "genuine and infectious passion for his family, horse racing, great music, and his alma mater, Western Kentucky University."

On the night before his death, Asher posted a quote from John McCain on his Twitter account: "Nothing in life is more liberating than to fight for a cause larger than yourself, something that encompasses you but is not defined by your existence alone."

Early Life and Education

Asher grew up on his grandmother's farm near Leitchfield, Kentucky, in a rural environment that helped shaped his character and strong work ethic. He spent his childhood in a farmhouse in Clarkson about 75 miles from Louisville, supported by rocks rather than concrete blocks. Despite being far removed from the glamour of Thoroughbred racing, his family considered themselves a "racing family" and gathered each year to watch the Kentucky Derby on television.

Asher's interest in horse racing began in 1967 when he witnessed Proud Clarion's come-from-behind victory at the Kentucky Derby,igniting a passion that would influence his future. Asher became an avid follower of a weekly racing show, listening to legendary announcer Cawood Ledford, and read copies of the Racing Form, provided by is aunt and uncle. His first visit to Churchill Downs on his 13th birthday was a memorable experience, after traveling to Louisville on a Greyhound bus, he was taken to the track by his aunt and uncle. He recalled seeing the Twin Spires for the first time and placing his first bet - a modest show bet on a gray horse named, Demote. That day Asher ended up winning a quarter, a memory he cherished throughout his life.

Despite his humble beginnings and natural shyness. Asher's teachers and peers soon recognized his talent for journalism and his distinctive voice. Although attending college was not a certainty, it proved transformational. After graduating from Clarkson High School, Asher earned a bachelor's degree in Journalism from Western Kentucky University, setting the stage for a career that would bring him back to his passion for horse racing.

Career in Journalism and Horse Racing

Asher began his career in radio broadcasting in Bowling Greenbefore moving to WHAS (AM) and WAVE-AM in Louisville, where he became the natural choice for covering the Kentucky Derby. His first interview was with Hall of Fame trainer Charlie Whittingham at the Kentucky Oaks(G1), a moment that had a lasting impression on Asher as he navigated the world of Thoroughbred racing.

Before joining Churchill Downs, Asher's received multiple awards, including five Eclipse Awards for “Outstanding National Radio Coverage of Thoroughbred racing." His excellence in journalism was further recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists, the Radio and Television News Directors Association, and the Kentucky Broadcasters Association. Asher was named Kentucky’s "Best Reporter" in the large market category seven times by the Associated Press.

Asher's contributions to the horse industry were further acknowledged with several honors. In 2006, he received the Warner L. Jones Jr. Horseman of the Year award from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and the Charles W. Engelhard Award for media excellence from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. Asher also received several other honors, including the Dean Eagle Award from the Knights of Columbus.

In March 2010, Asher was named one of Leadership Louisville's "Connectors," a group of 128 individuals recognized for their ability to achieve results through trusted leadership.

At Churchill Downs, Asher served as the Vice President of Racing Communications, where he became known as a historic and public representative for the institution. Asher transcended the role of a traditionalist publicist, becoming a figure who embodied the spirt of the Kentucky Derby At every public appearance, Asher would always remind everyone of the exact number of days until the next Kentucky Derby, a testament to his dedication and passion for the event.

Legacy

In the days leading up to the 145th Kentucky Derby a road in front of Churchill Downs, was renamed "John S. Asher Way", in honor of Asher, symbolically continuing his legacy of welcoming horse racing fans to the sport's most iconic event. In Asher's hometown of Leitchfield, a section of Highway 259, was also named in his honor. Additionally, Churchill Downs Racetrack commemorated Asher with a statue located on the north side of the saddling paddock in the Plaza area. Created by local artist, Raymond Graf, the statue portrays Asher sitting on a horseshoe bench in conversation with Col. Matt Winn, a prominent figure credited with elevating the Kentucky Derby to national prominence. Although Winn and Asher did not meet in life, Asher regarded Winn as a personal hero, once stating, "When I get to the great day, I would be awfully happy if someone said, 'Matt Winn would've love this guy." This sentiment inspired the sculpture.

Asher contributions to the sport were also recognized by, Western Kentucky University, his alma mater, through his induction into the Hall of Distinguished Alumni. In 2019, Churchill Downs Inc. established the John Asher Spirit Award to honor individuals who embody Asher’s passion for horse racing, dedication to the Kentucky Derby, and commitment to supporting the horse racing community with the same warmth and enthusiasm that Asher was known.

Karl Schmidt, a former executive at Churchill Downs, remarked, "If there were a horse for the course, it would be John Asher," reflecting the deep impact of Asher's legacy on the horse racing community.