For decades, the name D. Wayne Lukas has been synonymous with success in horse racing, particularly at the prestigious Kentucky Derby. Even as he navigated his late eighties and early nineties, Lukas remained a formidable presence, proving that age is merely a number in the pursuit of equine excellence. His remarkable career, marked by an unprecedented number of victories and a deep understanding of the racing world, has solidified his status as a legendary figure.
Born on September 2, 1935, Lukas’s journey into horse training was not immediate. He initially pursued a career in education, earning a master’s degree and coaching basketball before his passion for horses led him down a different path. His entry into Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing would ultimately define his legacy. Lukas was inducted into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame in 2007 and the National Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame in 1999, testaments to his broad impact across different equestrian disciplines.
Lukas’s affiliation with the Kentucky Derby is profound. He achieved his first Derby victory with Winning Colors in 1988, making her the third filly in history to win the esteemed race. His ability to consistently produce top-tier performance horses became legendary. In 1995, he made history by becoming the first trainer to sweep the Triple Crown Classic races with two different horses in a single season: Thunder Gulch won the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, while Timber Country secured the Preakness Stakes. By 2013, he had surpassed Sunny Jim Fitzsimmons for the most Triple Crown race victories, accumulating 14 wins.
One of Lukas’s most remarkable achievements was becoming the oldest trainer to win a Triple Crown race. In 2024, at 88 years old, his horse Seize the Grey triumphed in the Preakness Stakes, marking Lukas’s seventh Preakness victory and his fifteenth Triple Crown race win overall. This incredible feat underscores his sustained impact and remarkable longevity in a demanding sport.
Even in his later years, Lukas continued to be a fixture at Churchill Downs, often seen atop a stable pony, escorting his horses to and from training. At 89, he was still actively pursuing victory, with his horse American Promise entering the 2025 Kentucky Derby with 30-1 odds. Lukas’s sharp eye for talent never wavered; he was known for his meticulous attention to detail, spotting promising yearlings at sales and assessing their potential with uncanny accuracy. His longtime friend and rival, Bob Baffert, acknowledged Lukas’s enduring skill, noting, “Wayne is known for how meticulous he is with everything that he does. That hasn’t changed and it won’t change.”
Tragically, Lukas’s health declined. He contracted COVID-19 in 2020 and later suffered from a severe MRSA blood infection that impacted his heart and digestive system. Despite a challenging battle, he passed away at his home in Louisville, Kentucky, on June 28, 2025, at the age of 89. His family announced his retirement from racing just days before his passing, transferring his horses to his longtime assistant, Sebastian Nicholl.
The legacy of D. Wayne Lukas extends far beyond his impressive win totals. He redefined what was possible in horse racing, inspiring generations of trainers and owners with his dedication, innovation, and unyielding passion. His story is a powerful reminder that with talent, perseverance, and a deep love for the sport, one can leave an indelible mark on the world of equine athletics.
