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D. Wayne Lukas, the legendary Hall of Fame trainer and one of the most transformative figures in horse racing, has died at 89. His family confirmed that Lukas passed away peacefully at his home in Louisville, Kentucky, following a severe MRSA blood infection that worsened his chronic health issues and severely affected his heart and digestive system.
“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. “He brought heart, grace, and grit to every corner of the sport.”
Lukas’ groundbreaking career spanned decades and reshaped the role of the modern racehorse trainer. He captured 15 Triple Crown races, including four Kentucky Derby wins—second only to his friend Bob Baffert—and tied the record for most Breeders’ Cup wins with 20.
In May, just before his 34th and final Preakness Stakes, Lukas shared his philosophy: “The whole secret of this game is being able to read the horse… That’s the whole key.”
Known as “Coach” by many, Lukas began his professional life as a high school basketball coach before transitioning to horse training. His work ethic remained unmatched, often seen at dawn riding horseback to oversee training sessions, even in his late 80s.
Born Darnell Wayne Lukas on September 2, 1935, in Wisconsin, he started with quarter horses before moving into thoroughbred racing. His big break came in 1980 when Codex won the Preakness Stakes.
Over his remarkable career, Lukas earned 4,967 wins and over $310 million in purse earnings from more than 30,600 starts. Churchill Downs CEO Bill Carstanjen called him “one of the most significant figures in Thoroughbred racing,” and praised his wisdom, humor, and enduring impact on the sport.
