by Frank Angst

About 300 friends and family remembered Churchill Downs track announcer Luke Kruytbosch, recalling stories that showed his passion for racing during an hour-long funeral service Monday in the track’s Triple Crown room.

Kruytbosch, the voice of the Kentucky Derby (G1) since 1999, died on July 14, three days into calling the Ellis Park season. He was 47.

The Monday service included eulogies and condolences from Churchill Downs Vice President of Racing Communications John Asher and Luke’s father, Carlos, who arrived from Switzerland for the service.

Asher said in reading an obituary about Kruytbosch, he found out for the first time that the track announcer enjoyed comic books and took several studio tours of Marvel Comics.

“I think this was probably because when Luke talked to you, it was all about you,” Asher said, noting Kruytbosch’s listening skills and caring attitude.

The service featured several videos. One, produced by HorseRacing Television, highlighted the stretch calls of the ten Kentucky Derbies that featured Kruytbosch at the microphone. A second, a news feature produced by Television Games Network, displayed how Kruytbosch kept track of the horses by using crayons to mark the colors of the silks of each horse.

“Luke had tremendous discipline when it came to his work,” Carlos Kruytbosch said. “He didn’t have much discipline in other areas of his life, but he took great pride in his work.”

Asher said even though Kruytbosh annually called the country’s top race, he never developed an ego.

“I remember the day after he called his first Derby, you’d think maybe he’d take a day and just let it all sink in. But he went up to River Downs to bet the races there and hang out,” Asher said.

The service ended with Churchill bugler Steve Buttleman playing “My Old Kentucky Home.” Later in the day, Kruytbosch’s family planned to spread his ashes in the Churchill Downs winner’s circle.

Frank Angst is senior writer for Thoroughbred Times