Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, who achieved four Kentucky Derby wins among his 15 victories in the US Triple Crown races, passed away at the age of 89, his family announced Sunday. The family, through a statement released by Churchill Downs, said Lukas died at home on Saturday night after being hospitalized with an infection a week earlier and choosing not to undergo aggressive treatment.
Expressing gratitude, the family thanked the racing community, from racetracks nationwide to longstanding friends and competitors, for their outpouring of love and support. Lukas was considered one of the most talented trainers in American horse racing history. His 15 Triple Crown race wins rank second only to Bob Baffert’s 17, and he shares the record for the most Breeders’ Cup victories (20) with Ireland’s Aidan O’Brien.
His most recent Triple Crown race win was last year with Seize the Day at the Preakness Stakes, marking his seventh Preakness victory. Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Inc., paid tribute, calling Lukas “one of the greatest champions and most influential figures in thoroughbred racing over the past 50 years.” He added, “We will miss his humor, wisdom, and unmatched talent for thrilling fans on the sport’s biggest days.”
The Breeders’ Cup honored Lukas for his innovative training methods and the lasting legacy he left through many jockeys who flourished under his mentorship. They noted his dedication, discipline, passion, and insights as an enduring source of inspiration for future generations. Tom Rooney, president of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, said it is “hard to imagine racing without Lukas” and likened him to a figure deserving of a place on the sport’s “Trainer Mount Rushmore.”
Churchill Downs reported last week that Lukas’s horses have been entrusted to his veteran assistant, Sebastian “Bus” Nicole. Over a career spanning 60 years, Lukas recorded 4,967 thoroughbred wins and trained 26 Eclipse Award winners, including three Horses of the Year.
Fan Take: D. Wayne Lukas’s passing marks the end of an era for horse racing, as his influence shaped the modern standards of training and competition in the sport. His legacy of excellence and innovation will continue to inspire trainers and fans alike, reminding us why horse racing remains a thrilling and deeply respected tradition.
