FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Knights of Columbus have presented Senate Majority Leader Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, with the 2024 John Asher Derby Ambassador Award.

The presentation came April 29 during the 62nd annual Kentucky Derby Festival Charity Dinner, the proceeds of which benefit the organization's charities. Since 1963, the Knights of Columbus have presented the award, formerly known as the Dean Eagle Memorial Award. It honors a standout individual and is a prestigious award in the thoroughbred industry.

The award is named after John Asher, a prominent figure in Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby who died at 62 in 2018. His 30-year-plus career in media and communications saw him earn five Eclipse Awards in radio journalism.

Prior to his death, Asher served as a key spokesperson and historian of the Derby. 

"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."

Other recipients include the inaugural recipient, Meshach Tenney, trainer of 1955 Kentucky Derby Winner Swaps; Jessie 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.