Jerry Botts, 54; 16-Year Racing Secretary at Churchill Downs

Jerry Botts, 54, the vice president and racing secretary at Churchill Downs, died Tuesday in a hospital in Louisville, Ky., after a brief illness. Churchill Downs spokesman John Asher said he did not have details of the illness.

Botts had served as racing secretary at the track since 1985. One of his duties was to write the condition books for the race meets.

He previously worked at several other Kentucky tracks, including Keeneland, Ellis Park and Latonia, which is now Turfway Park.

“The quality of his work and his sense of fairness earned the respect of racing officials and horsemen across the country,� said Alex Waldrop, the Churchill Downs president. “Jerry devoted his life to Churchill Downs, and this is a very sad day for our family.�