D. Wayne Lukas Passes Away at 89

D. Wayne Lukas, a renowned horse trainer celebrated for his 15 Triple Crown victories, has died, according to a family announcement made on Sunday. He was 89 years old.

Recently, Lukas had been hospitalized due to a serious MRSA blood infection, which severely affected his heart and digestive system, further complicating existing health issues.

“Wayne dedicated his life not only to horses but also to the entire industry,” his family shared. They noted that he cultivated a generation of jockeys and horse professionals while welcoming new fans into the excitement of winning races.

“Whether he was excitedly talking up a young horse as the next Kentucky Derby champion or providing quiet guidance before crucial races, Wayne brought heart, passion, and determination to every aspect of the sport,” they added.

Lukas achieved remarkable success, with seven victories in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, in addition to his wins in the Preakness Stakes. In fact, his trained horse, The Grey, claimed the Preakness title in 2024.

He also amassed 20 Breeders’ Cup wins and emphasized the importance of understanding horses himself, saying, “I think the entire secret of this game is to read horses. Know what they need, what they can’t handle—it’s key.” His winning record includes nearly 5,000 thoroughbred races, accumulating over $310 million in earnings from more than 30,600 starts.

“Today, we’ve lost one of the great champions of Churchill Downs and a pivotal figure in thoroughbred racing over the past 50 years,” remarked Bill Caltangen, CEO of Churchill Downs. He mentioned that the community will deeply miss Lukas’s humor, wisdom, and unmatched ability to entertain fans through exceptional horse performance on the sport’s biggest stages.