D. Wayne Lukas, the iconic Hall of Fame trainer who became one of horse racing’s most influential figures, has died at the age of 89.
His family confirmed that Lukas passed away peacefully Saturday night at his home in Louisville, Kentucky, following a severe MRSA blood infection that significantly damaged his heart and digestive system while complicating his chronic health conditions.
Wayne devoted his life not only to horses but to the industry — developing generations of horsemen and horsewomen and growing the game by inviting unsuspecting fans into the winner’s circle,” his family said in a heartfelt statement. “Whether he was boasting about a maiden 2-year-old as the next Kentucky Derby winner or offering quiet words of advice before a big race, Wayne brought heart, grace, and grit to every corner of the sport.”
Lukas’ remarkable career spanned decades, redefining what it meant to be a trainer in modern horse racing. He captured an astonishing 15 Triple Crown races, with four Kentucky Derby victories among them. Only his close friend Bob Baffert holds more Triple Crown titles. Lukas also tied the record for the most wins in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, racking up 20 triumphs in that series alone.
The whole secret of this game, I think, is being able to read the horse,” Lukas shared in May before saddling up for his 34th and final Preakness Stakes. “Read what he needs, what he doesn’t need, what he can’t do, what he can do. That’s the whole key.”
Known affectionately as “Coach” around the stables and racetracks, Lukas first coached high school basketball before transitioning into training racehorses—a testament to his drive and work ethic. Even as he approached his 90th birthday, he was still out at dawn on horseback, overseeing his stable’s training sessions in person.
