A section of Hwy 259 north will soon be named for a Leitchfield native who became one of horse racing’s greatest ambassadors.
John Asher, who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 62 on August 27, 2018 while on vacation in Florida, will have a stretch of Hwy 259 north, beginning at the intersection of the William Thomason Byway, named in his honor, according to Leitchfield Tourism Director Ilsa Johnson.
Asher, who joined Churchill Downs in 1997, became the face of the legendary race track in his role as vice president of racing communications in 1999. Prior to that, he won five Eclipse Awards while providing horse racing coverage for radio stations in Louisville. He was also awarded the Warner L. Jones Jr. Horseman of the Year award in 2006, and was bestowed the Charles W. Engelhard Award for excellence in media coverage from Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders.
A graduate of Western Kentucky University, Asher’s family has created a scholarship fund (along with WKU) to help students pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Before attending WKU, Asher graduated from Clarkson High School, and his first job in radio was at WKHG-WMTL.
A dedication ceremony has been scheduled for July 4 at 10:00 a.m. Details of that ceremony continue to be planned by local officials and the Asher family.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com or 270-259-6000
