Meet Sebastian “Bas” Nichols, a name synonymous with unwavering dedication and world-class horsemanship in the elite echelons of Thoroughbred racing. For those entrenched in the sport, Nichols isn’t just a horse trainer; he was the indispensable right-hand man and trusted assistant to the legendary Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas for more than twenty years. His story is a unique tapestry woven from military discipline and an innate understanding of the equine athlete, making him one of the most respected figures on the backstretch. His profound impact was felt most deeply in his role as the bedrock of one of America’s most storied racing stables.
Bas Nichols horse trainer observing a thoroughbred during a morning workout at the track
From British Army Captain to the Barn
Long before he was managing Kentucky Derby hopefuls, Bas Nichols was commanding tanks. His journey into racing is unlike any other. A native of England, Nichols spent eight years in the British Army, where he rose to the distinguished rank of captain. During the First Gulf War in the early 1990s, he served as a tank commander in Operation Desert Storm, an experience that undoubtedly shaped his calm demeanor and meticulous attention to detail.
After leaving the military in 1995, Nichols returned to his first love: horses. He had grown up riding and working with prominent trainers, and he seamlessly transitioned his leadership skills from the battlefield to the barn. He honed his craft under esteemed horsemen like Irish steeplechase trainer Edward O’Grady and even spent time in Australia working for T.J. Smith, father of the renowned trainer Gai Waterhouse. This global experience provided him with a broad and deep foundation in horsemanship that would become invaluable in his future role.
Forging a Partnership with D. Wayne Lukas
The land of opportunity called to Nichols, and in 1999 he moved to the United States, initially working for conditioner Pat Byrne. However, it was on January 18, 2002, that he made the career-defining move to join the D. Wayne Lukas operation. This marked the beginning of a remarkable partnership that would span over two decades and see the stable through countless triumphs.
Nichols quickly became more than just an employee; he became Lukas’s most trusted confidant and the operational cornerstone of the entire stable. His longevity in a high-pressure role that sees frequent turnover is a testament to his skill and temperament. Lukas himself made Nichols’s importance unequivocally clear, stating, “I have told him on numerous occasions that I don’t want to do it without him. That’s how I feel about him.” This powerful endorsement cemented Nichols’s reputation as “the man behind The Man.”
The Unseen Work of a Top Assistant
The role of an assistant trainer in a major racing stable is immense. It involves the day-to-day execution of the master plan, requiring a deep understanding of each horse’s health, fitness, and mental state. For years, Bas Nichols was the first to arrive and the last to leave, overseeing every detail from morning gallops to afternoon feedings. He was the vital link between the grooms, the veterinarians, and the Hall of Fame trainer himself.
He wasn’t just implementing orders; he was an integral part of the process, soaking up decades of knowledge and contributing his own expert eye. He worked hands-on with some of the best horses in the country, including Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks winner Secret Oath, playing a crucial part in their development and success. His quiet competence and steady hand ensured that the Lukas barn operated with the precision of a military unit.
A Difficult Transition and a Personal Choice
In the summer of 2025, the racing world faced a monumental loss with the passing of D. Wayne Lukas. In a succession plan established by Lukas himself, the stable’s reins were passed to his most loyal assistant, and the horses were officially transferred to Bas Nichols’s name. He stepped into the role of head trainer, a position many felt he had earned ten times over.
However, after a brief period, Nichols made a deeply personal decision to step back from the head trainer position. “I decided not to continue as a racehorse trainer,” he stated, clarifying his intent to return to the role he had mastered. “I do plan to continue as an assistant trainer… It was a personal decision, not something I really want to discuss. It was a very amicable decision.” While the horses were dispersed to other top trainers, Nichols focused on helping the Lukas family, demonstrating his profound loyalty one last time.
The Enduring Legacy of a True Horseman
Bas Nichols’s story is one of quiet excellence, loyalty, and a unique journey to the highest level of his profession. He is a horseman defined not by the number of winners under his own name, but by the indelible mark he left on one of racing’s greatest dynasties. His career is a powerful reminder that behind every legendary figure, there is often a dedicated and brilliant partner ensuring the legacy endures. While he plans to continue his career as an assistant, his contributions as the steadfast right hand to D. Wayne Lukas have already secured his place in racing history.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bas Nichols
Who is Bas Nichols?
Bas Nichols is a highly respected horse trainer, best known for serving as the top assistant to Hall of Fame Thoroughbred trainer D. Wayne Lukas for over 20 years. He was considered the operational manager of the Lukas racing stable.
What is Bas Nichols’s military background?
Before his career in horse racing, Bas Nichols served for eight years in the British Army, achieving the rank of captain. He was a tank commander during Operation Desert Storm in the First Gulf War.
How long did Bas Nichols work for D. Wayne Lukas?
Bas Nichols began working for D. Wayne Lukas on January 18, 2002, and remained his loyal assistant for more than 20 years until Lukas’s passing in 2025.
Is Bas Nichols still training the former D. Wayne Lukas horses?
No. After the passing of D. Wayne Lukas, the horses were briefly transferred to Nichols as the head trainer. However, he made a personal decision to step down from that role, and the horses were moved to other trainers.
What are Bas Nichols’s future plans?
Bas Nichols has stated his intention to continue his career in racing as an assistant trainer for another operation, though he has not announced a specific position yet.
