The sports community mourned the loss of a titan in horse racing last weekend as legendary trainer D. Wayne Lucas passed away at 89. Lucas was among the greatest trainers in history, securing 15 Triple Crown race victories, including four Kentucky Derbys. Beyond these prestigious wins, his horses crossed the finish line first nearly 5,000 times, amassing over $303 million in earnings.
Although none of his horses captured the Triple Crown by winning all three races in a single year (Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, and Preakness Stakes), Lucas made history in 1995 by having his horses win each race individually—a feat other trainers have not matched.
For those interested in learning more about Lucas’s remarkable career—did you know his name “D” stands for Darnell?—this week’s quiz offers a deep dive into his legacy and much more. Be sure to test your knowledge with daily connections and the sports edition quizzes.
Top stories featured in this quiz include career highlights of D. Wayne Lucas, the Milwaukee Bucks’ bold strategy involving Damian Lillard, an NFL veteran’s return after retirement, insights into the Mitch Marner trade by the Maple Leafs, the passing of Dave Parker at age 74, Shohei Ohtani’s latest personal record, Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal’s surprising victory at the Club World Cup, the fastest sprint time of the year setting the sixth-fastest time ever, WNBA expansion news excluding original cities, and an explanation of a peculiar deferred sports contract.
This coverage originally appeared in Athletics and spans NHL, NFL, NBA, MLB, WNBA, soccer, sports business, sports betting, the Olympics, and the FIFA Club World Cup, brought to you by the 2025 Athletic Media Company.
Fan Take: D. Wayne Lucas’s passing is a profound loss for horse racing, marking the end of an era defined by unparalleled training excellence and historic achievements. His legacy inspires future generations and underscores the sport’s rich history, signaling the importance of preserving and celebrating the contributions of its legends.
