Churchill Downs, the historic home of the Kentucky Derby (G1), has formally
launched its search for a new announcer and the track will accept applications
for the post through August 22.
The person chosen to serve as announcer will succeed the late Luke Kruytbosch,
who had been the voice of the Kentucky Derby and all other races at the
134-year-old track since 1999. Kruytbosch, 47, died on July 14 after suffering
an apparent heart attack in Evansville, Indiana. He was only the fifth announcer
to call races for on-track and simulcast patrons at Churchill Downs.
Churchill Downs has formed an internal committee headed by General Manager
Jim Gates to assess candidates who submit applications for the post by the
August 22 deadline.
“We are saddened by the unexpected and tragic loss of Luke Kruytbosch, who
spent 10 marvelous years in our announcer’s booth and became a favorite of both
fans and horsemen during that decade,” Gates said. “While we continue to grieve
Luke’s passing, it is time to get on with the serious work of searching for his
successor. The members of our search committee enter the process with enthusiasm
and open minds and look forward to hearing from what we expect to be a large and
talented group of announcers who have an interest in the job at Churchill
Downs.”
Interested applicants are asked to send resumes, discs/tapes and any other
materials to Darren Rogers, senior director of communications & media services,
at:
Churchill Downs
700 Central Avenue
Louisville, KY 40208
Gene Schmidt was the first announcer at Churchill Downs, and was succeeded by
legendary announcer Chic Anderson. Mike Battaglia was the next to look down on
Churchill Downs’ one-mile oval from the announcer’s booth as he called the
Kentucky Derby and all of the track’s races from 1978-96. Kurt Becker then
handled the announcing duties for two years, and his departure opened the door
for Kruytbosch’s arrival in 1999.
Churchill Downs’ next announcer is expected to assume those duties for the
track’s 26-day Fall Meet, which is scheduled for October 26-November 29.