Fans mourning the passing of the legendary horse trainer first learned the news through Athlon Sports.
D. Wayne Lukas, a towering figure in horse racing, died Saturday night, his family confirmed. He was 89 years old and had been grappling with health issues, most recently suffering from an MRSA infection.
In a heartfelt statement to the “Racing Community,” his family expressed their sorrow, sharing that their beloved husband, grandfather, and great-grandfather, D. Wayne Lukas, peacefully passed away yesterday evening.
Lukas stands as one of the sport’s most remarkable trainers, with his horses earning over $300 million and achieving 4,953 wins out of 30,436 starts, boasting an impressive 16.27% win rate, according to the Race Hall of Fame.
His legacy is complex; while he elevated the sport’s profile, driving up the value of horses, some of his famous horses’ injuries sparked debate about thoroughbred breeding and care.
Nonetheless, Lukas was undeniably a champion.
His Hall of Fame bio, inducted in 1999, highlights that from 1983 onwards, Lukas dominated North American racing for 15 years. He earned his first Triple Crown series win with Codex in the 1980 Preakness and accumulated victories including four Kentucky Derbies, seven Preakness Stakes, and multiple Triple Series wins.
Lukas, a four-time Eclipse Award winner for outstanding trainer (1985, 1986, 1987, and 1994), was the first to surpass $100 million in earnings, later exceeding $200 million in career winnings.
Despite his advanced age, the loss of this beloved “coach” has deeply impacted racing fans. Known for his grace and kindness within the community, his passing has left a significant void.
One fan reflected, “This is a tough reality to accept… He lived a full life and touched the lives of so many horses and people.”
Another added, “Farewell to the horse racing legend. He will truly be missed. He was a true gentleman who always took time for his fans. This hurts deeply.”
Twin Spiers Racing captured the sentiment of many bettors and fans, stating, “Horse racing feels incomplete without D. Wayne Lukas. He transformed the sport forever and will be profoundly missed.”
Content creator Andrew Brown commented, “D. Wayne Lukas epitomized greatness. A pioneer, leader, and legend whose impact on our sport is immeasurable. His legacy will live on forever.”
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on June 29, 2025.
Fan Take: D. Wayne Lukas’s passing marks the end of an era for horse racing, reminding fans of the profound impact one individual can have on the sport. His legacy challenges the industry to balance competitive success with the welfare of the horses, shaping the future of racing for generations to come.
