Me and Luke at Turf Paradise in 2007
Today is the 5th anniversary of the passing of a one of my favorite people I ever met in horse racing, the great announcer Luke Kruytbosch. Luke called the Kentucky Derby as well as races at Turf Paradise, Ellis Park and about 50 other tracks during his time. The first time I met Luke was in April of 2006, as I was driving over to River Downs to begin my career announcing races. I met him in the lobby and introduced myself, told him I was going to be an announcer and instead of just saying hi and nice to meet you, he invited me up to his booth to hang out for the day. It was like a kid going to play minor league ball and getting to talk with Babe Ruth. He gave me advice, told me funny stories, said to come visit him at Churchill, and told me to make sure and meet Vince Cyster, who was a good friend of his (and subsequently became my best friend in Cincinnati). I remember hitting a superfecta for 1,100 at Turf Paradise that made my day and paid for most of my move! I figured if I never met him again, it was still pretty cool to have gotten to hang that day. Fast forward to Kentucky Oaks day, a Friday and one of the biggest days of Luke’s year. I’m announcing the races at River Downs and my phone rings. “Hey Jason this is Luke Kruytbosch.” Well Hi Luke, aren’t you a little busy today? LOL He just called to tell me he was watching the River Downs races between races at Churchill and wanted to tell me I was doing a great job. That was about as cool as it gets. Over the next couple of years we would hang out anytime I went to Churchill or Ellis, or when Luke would trek up to Cincinnati. The most interesting things I remember is often echoed by other people who knew him. He ALWAYS made you feel like the most important person in the room. I remember telling a friend that after we hung out with him at a bar, so I promise this isn’t post death hyperbole. That’s just how he was. Everyone who knew him felt that way. I haven’t met anyone in racing who was as universally beloved.
Two quick fun stories: First of all, we were sitting in a bar at Churchill Downs after the races watching the races from Hollywood Park and Luke was having a couple cocktails. One of his favorite pastimes was to do impressions of other announcers while we watched their races. The funny part was, every impression just sounded like Luke. His voice was too distinct. So he started doing an impression of Bill Downes, who announces at Beulah Park and Indiana Downs,and some stranger walks up behind us and says “Man you sound just like Luke Kruytbosch.” Luke smiled and looked at me and said “yeah i get that alot.”
My other favorite memories were during the winter time on Tuesdays. Luke’s track Turf Paradise was one of the few tracks running along with us at Portland Meadows. He would call and try and prank me and say “Hey this is Frank Stronach (who owns PM) we just wanted to say you’re doing a great job.” or my favorite one “Hey this is Flip Nollar (PM former Jockey)”. I also remember he called right after I had done a promo for our lunch special and said “Yeah how can I order that Roast Beef Sandwich.”
God he was a great guy. Pretty good announcer too 🙂
Jason Beem 
Great stories and thanks for sharing. I also wrote a blog about Luke http://azerirules.blogspot.com/2013/07/remembering-luke-kruytbosch.html
What a great remembrance of a awesome individual and announcer…R.I.P. Luke ❤
I met Luke several years ago when he was track announcer at Ellis. He spoke to me the first time like he had known me from before. We had a few more brief chats through those years, and he was always conversational and friendly. Such a shame Luke left at such an early age.
Thanks for this Jason! Some of my fondest Luke memories are sitting in the backside bar at Turf Paradise playing dice when he’d come in after the races. He was always the same awesome person, no matter if you were in the TuP backside bar or in the booth with him at Churchill. Will miss him always!
couldn’t agree more Katie! Everyone loved him
Jason, great remembrance of Luke, you’re right he made everyone feel special and I was one of those people. I interned at Ellis Park and spent time with him in the booth there and later visited him at Churchill Downs. One of a kind, great to all those who passed thru his alma mater, the Race Track Industry Program. Jon Shonk, got his nickname from Luke at Ellis, the Pink Lady :).
Jason,
You’re a pretty good guy, too. I mean, sharing those memories certainly rings true to my few experiences with The Man, Luke, and I appreciate how you feel. Luke was like fine wine in a way: the longer he is gone, the more fond of the guy we become because he was so easy to know.
Thanks for the memories!.
One of my favorite Luke moments…after guest hosting on “The Regular Guy” we went out for a few cold ones at A.J.’s Roadhouse. Got talking to a guy at the bar and Luke loved his racing-themed tie. He said “I’ll buy you a beer for your tie and I’ll wear it when I call the Kentucky Derby next year.” The guy went for it and a year later when I turned on the Derby broadcast – there was Luke – wearing that tie! A man of his word.
Luke was one of the greatest guys, ever! I pulled into Ellis one afternoon from Arlington with a horse to run the next day. By the time I got my horse unloaded and settled in and the trailer unhooked I was a sweaty, dirty mess. Ran into Luke while I was getting the next day’s Form. Luke ignores my protests about my condition, gives me a huge bear hug and asks “So, where do you want to have dinner tonight?” Lol
He was one of the shiniest stars in our world.
He was a dear friend of mine. I will forever miss his voicemails that turned anything going on in my life into a race call. I think of him often. He is so sadly missed.
I was walking around with a gal I was dating at Keeneland. There he was in a purple sweatsuit having a cold adult beverage. I introduced her to Luke and said; “:he was the voice of the Kentucky Derby.” He said; “no,he’s pulling your leg. I work in the parking lot.” – We all laughed and watched the last race together. – Fast forward one year later. Same track, same time, and there he was in the same bright purple sweatsuit. – He looked at me and said ; “Eddie you really go a long way stalking a guy.” – He was a true gent and could always be found at RD the day after calling the Kentucky Derby. – He helped everyone that wanted to try their hand in racing. – So many people have this fella to thank. – Can’t believe it has been this long.- I can still see his big smile and the bright purple sweatsuit.- You are missed my friend……
That was a fun trip.