(Louisville, KY) – John Asher, Churchill Downs Vice President of Communications has died. Asher, one of the most visible faces of Churchill Downs, died this morning of an apparent heart attack while on vacation with his family in Orlando, FL, according to WAVE 3 News.
Asher, a graduate of Clarkson High School, got his start in media in Leitchfield, Ky. at WHKG-WMTL studios. He was a graduate of Western Kentucky University, and worked in radio at WKHG-WMTL, WAVG and WHAS. His love of thoroughbred racing led to him taking “his dream job” at Churchill Downs in January 1997. Before joining Churchill Downs, Asher won the Eclipse Award five times during his broadcasting career for his horse racing coverage.
He was currently working as the vice president of racing communications for Churchill Downs. Ahser’s most visible role was as the host of the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby post position draws.
Asher is survived by his wife (Dee Dee Thomas Asher), three daughters and two grandchildren.
