D. Wayne Lukas, a titan of Thoroughbred racing, passed away on June 28th at his Louisville, Kentucky home, just a week after entering hospice care. He was 89.
Lukas' family had previously disclosed that he was battling a MRSA blood infection which severely impacted his heart and digestive system. Choosing comfort and family, Lukas opted against aggressive treatment and spent his final days at home.
His six-decade-long career saw him guide countless horses to victory at prestigious racetracks. Lukas leaves behind an unmatched legacy, and his influence on the sport will be felt for generations. Sebastian "Bas" Nicholl, a trusted and long-tenured assistant, will assume leadership of Lukas Enterprises Inc., continuing operations from Barn 44 at Churchill Downs, the stable Lukas called home since 1989.
A Career Defined by Excellence and Innovation
Lukas first rose to prominence in Southern California, celebrating his inaugural Thoroughbred training victory at Santa Anita Park on October 20, 1977, when he was 42. He transitioned to full-time training in 1978, starting with just seven horses. He quickly became synonymous with impeccably maintained barns, renowned for their signature white picket fences, vibrant flowerbeds, and creatively decorated feed tubs.
His record speaks for itself: 4,967 documented Thoroughbred wins, including an astounding 637 graded stakes victories. His horses amassed over $301 million in earnings from 30,607 starts, according to statistics from Churchill Downs.
Lukas achieved unparalleled success in the sport's most coveted races, winning the Kentucky Derby four times and the Longines Kentucky Oaks five times. A remarkable 26 of his trainees earned Eclipse Award championships, with three achieving the ultimate honor of Horse of the Year.
His participation in Triple Crown races is surpassed only by Bob Baffert, with Lukas having entered 15 horses in these celebrated events.
Kenny McPeek, a Kentucky Derby-winning trainer, shared his sentiments with The Courier Journal, stating, "A special man, he's been a great friend and very much a father figure to me. He raised the standards for our sport to the highest level. An amazing man." The racing community joins in mourning the loss of a true icon.