D. Wayne Lukas, a towering figure in thoroughbred racing and a revered Hall of Fame trainer, has returned home to receive hospice care following a hospitalization in Louisville. The news, confirmed by his family over the weekend, marks a significant moment for the sport that Lukas has profoundly influenced for over four decades. His family has requested privacy during this challenging time.
The severe MRSA blood infection that led to Lukas’s current condition has caused substantial damage to his heart and digestive system, exacerbating pre-existing health issues. Despite an aggressive treatment plan proposed by medical professionals, involving multiple surgeries, the decision was made to transition to home hospice care due to the extensive pain and the demanding recovery path ahead.
Transition of Training Duties
In a coordinated transition managed by Lukas Enterprises Inc., longtime assistant Sebastian “Bas” Nicholl has taken over the training responsibilities for the stable. Nicholl will now manage the horses previously under Lukas’s tutelage, ensuring continuity in the care and preparation of the racing stable. This transition reflects the deep trust and established working relationship between Lukas and his dedicated team.
A Legacy of Triple Crown Success
D. Wayne Lukas’s name is synonymous with success in the Triple Crown races. He is a four-time Kentucky Derby winner and holds the record for the most Triple Crown race victories by any trainer, with an impressive 15 wins. This includes seven Preakness Stakes and four Belmont Stakes. His most recent Triple Crown success came in 2024 with Seize the Grey’s victory in the Preakness, marking his first win in a Triple Crown race in over a decade. In 2025, Lukas achieved another milestone, starting his 50th Kentucky Derby with American Promise, placing him second all-time for Derby starters, just behind his protégé, Todd Pletcher.
| Triple Crown race | Wins | Horse (Year) |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Derby | 4 | Winning Colors (1988), Thunder Gulch (1995), Grindstone (1996), Charismatic (1999) |
| Preakness Stakes | 7 | Codex (1980), Tank’s Prospect (1985), Tabasco Cat (1994), Timber Country (1995), Charismatic (1999), Oxbow (2013), Seize the Grey (2024) |
| Belmont Stakes | 4 | Tabasco Cat (1994), Thunder Gulch (1995), Editor’s Note (1996), Commendable (2000) |
The racing community has expressed their profound respect and well wishes for Lukas. Mike Anderson, president of Churchill Downs Racetrack, stated, “Wayne is one of the greatest competitors and most important figures in Thoroughbred racing history. He transcended the sport of horse racing and took the industry to new levels. The lasting impact of his character and wisdom — from his acute horsemanship to his unmatched attention to detail — will be truly missed. The enormity of this news is immense, and our prayers are with his family and friends around the world during this difficult time.” His contributions have elevated the sport.
Broader Racing Achievements
Inducted into Horse Racing’s Hall of Fame in 1999, Lukas’s dominance was particularly evident between 1994 and 1996, when he achieved a remarkable streak of six consecutive Triple Crown classics. This period saw victories with iconic horses such as Tabasco Cat, Thunder Gulch, and Grindstone. His success continued with Editor’s Note winning the 1996 Belmont Stakes, extending his streak to seven wins in eight races. Beyond the Triple Crown, Lukas also secured five Kentucky Oaks victories, with his most recent being Secret Oath in 2022.
His training prowess extended to multiple major awards, including training three Horses of the Year: Lady’s Secret (1986), Criminal Type (1990), and Charismatic (1999). Furthermore, Lukas amassed an impressive 20 Breeders’ Cup wins. His success in the Breeders’ Cup includes six victories in the Juvenile Fillies, five in the Juvenile, and a memorable 1999 Classic triumph with the 19-1 longshot Cat Thief.
D. Wayne Lukas’s enduring legacy is cemented not only by his unparalleled record of wins but also by his indelible impact on the sport of horse racing, inspiring countless trainers and enthusiasts.
Copyright 2025 WSAW. All rights reserved.
