SENATOR DAMON THAYER NAMED 2024 JOHN
ASHER DERBY AMBASSADOR AWARD RECIPIENT
FRANKFORT, KY (May 6, 2023)—On Monday, April 29, Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, was presented with the 2024 John Asher Derby Ambassador Award by the Knights of Columbus. He received the award during the 62nd Annual Kentucky Derby Festival Charity Dinner, the proceeds of which benefit the organization's charities.
The John Asher Derby Ambassador Award, formerly known as the Dean Eagle Memorial Award, is a highly esteemed recognition in the thoroughbred industry. Presented annually since 1963 by the Knights of Columbus, it honors a standout individual. The award was renamed in 2019 in memory of John Asher, a prominent figure in Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby who passed away in 2018 at 62.
Past award recipients include the inaugural recipient, Meshach Tenney, trainer of 1955 Kentucky Derby Winner Swaps; Jennie Rees, Courier Journal turf writer and winner of the 1988 Eclipse Award; Bill Mott, Hall of Fame Trainer; Secretariat, in honor of the 25th anniversary of his victories in the Kentucky Derby and Triple Crown; and Chris McCarron, two-time derby winner with Alysheba and Go for Gin.
John Asher's career spanned over 30 years in media and communications at WHAS and Churchill Downs racetrack, earning him five Eclipse Awards in radio journalism. His profound influence on the Kentucky Derby included roles as a key spokesperson and historian of the event. His voice, passion, and expertise in horse racing were deeply appreciated. Beyond his professional life, Asher was dedicated to community service, earning recognition such as the Volunteer of the Year by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International. His untimely passing in 2018 was a significant loss to the Churchill Downs community and Louisville, where he was also celebrated for his civic engagement.
The award, rightly honoring his legacy, is a testament to his lasting impact on the industry and serves to recognize others who follow in his footsteps.
"This award means a lot to me because the thoroughbred industry is what drew me to Kentucky," Thayer said. "I have such incredible respect for John Asher, not only for what he meant to horse racing and the Kentucky Derby but also for who he was as a person; someone we should all strive to be like in whatever endeavor we may venture into. I consider him a valued friend and mentor and miss him tremendously. It is the ultimate honor to receive an award named for him. I am humbled that I will get to display this award among a rare but prestigious company."
Thayer first met Asher in 1988 at the Breeders' Cup at Churchill Downs.
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Senator Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, represents the 17th Senate District, including Grant and Scott Counties, southern Kenton County, and northwestern Fayette County. He is Senate majority floor leader. Thayer is the longest-serving Republican Senate majority floor leader in Kentucky history. He serves as a member of the Senate committees on Agriculture, Licensing and Occupations, and State and Local Government. As Senate majority floor leader, Thayer is a member of the Legislative Research Commission, the Committee on Committees and the Rules Committee. Additionally, he is an Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee member.
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