Industry Reflects on Legacy of D. Wayne Lukas

Reactions from organizations and individuals within the Thoroughbred racing community on the contributions and legacy of trainer D. Wayne Lukas, who died June 28 at age 89. Breeders' Cup Along with the Thoroughbred racing community, the team at Breeders' Cup Limited mourns the passing of Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas. From the inaugural 1984 running of the Breeders' Cup World Championships, where he saddled three starters, to the 2024 edition, where he sent out his last Breeders' Cup contender, Wayne set the bar with his constant pursuit of the pinnacle of our great sport. At the time of his passing, he held the record for most Breeders' Cup wins by a trainer with 20, an achievement matched in 2024 by Aidan O'Brien. For 14 years, from 1983-1997, he was the trainer with the most Breeders' Cup earnings. His record stands at $22,760,520, with a 20-22-17 record from 169 starters. Not only did Wayne leave his mark on the Breeders' Cup and the sport of Thoroughbred racing with his innovative training approach, but his legacy continues through the many horsemen who came up under his astute guidance before finding tremendous success on their own. The dedication, discipline, passion, and insight with which he ran his operation will serve as an inspiration for many generations. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and entire team during this difficult time. Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Incorporated A four-time winner of the Kentucky Derby, (Saturday) we lost one of the great champions of Churchill Downs and one of the most significant figures in Thoroughbred racing over the last 50 years. We will miss his humor, his wisdom, and his unmatched capacity to thrill the fans with the performances of his horses on our sport's biggest days. 1/ST Racing Beyond the victories and trophies, Mr. Lukas inspired generations with his relentless work ethic, sharp eye for talent, and unwavering belief in what was possible. His legacy lives on not only in the horses he trained and the records he broke, but also in the many horsemen and women he mentored and elevated along the way. READ: Industry Shaping Horseman Lukas Dies at Age 89 Keeneland president and CEO Shannon Arvin D. Wayne Lukas was a legend—a masterful trainer with passion, attention to detail, and a tireless pursuit of success, as well as a mentor whose barn produced a number of racing's most successful trainers. His impact at Keeneland, where he was a presence for nearly 50 years, is not likely to be seen again. Since buying his first horse here in 1977, he influenced yearling sales through his emphasis on conformation and body type while affecting the way horses were bred and prepped to produce yearlings that would appeal to him. After Wayne won his first Keeneland race in 1980, he set numerous records during our spring and fall meets and across the country with a powerful stable of runners, many of which he and his clients had purchased here. On behalf of Keeneland, we extend our deepest condolences to Wayne's wife, Laurie, and his entire family. Trainer Dale Romans, president of the Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association We are heart-broken but also are tremendously grateful that horse racing had Wayne for as long as we did and were able to benefit from his horsemanship, trend-setting, and charismatic way of creating new fans, as well as his friendship and mentorship for so many of us. Bill Knauf, president and general manager of The Maryland Jockey Club The Maryland Jockey Club mourns the loss of legendary trainer D. Wayne Lukas, a true titan of Thoroughbred racing. His unmatched accomplishments, unwavering dedication, and enduring influence on the sport have left an indelible mark on racing history. With seven (7) wins in the Preakness Stakes, D. Wayne was not only a champion on the track but a mentor and inspiration to generations of horsemen and women. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the entire racing community. His legacy will forever be part of Maryland Racing and the Preakness Stakes. Hovdey: Lukas Grabbed the Spotlight and Held Tight From Day One National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association CEO Eric Hamelback No one will match what D. Wayne Lukas did in horse racing. Others—and a few already have—may win more Triple Crown races, more Breeders' Cup races, train more champions, win more grade 1 races or seasonal earnings. But no one is going to surpass The Coach's intangibles: mentoring not only those who worked for him but many others who didn't, providing wise counsel for generations of horsemen. It's unfathomable that anyone will ever match Wayne's "training tree" for assistants who went on to be nationally prominent horsemen, who in turn are producing assistants who go on to prominence. He made white bridles a fashion statement. He understood that mainstream media might not understand the intricacies of horse racing, but they would understand analogies to other sports and their star athletes. Wayne also did other things we all should try to replicate. He took the time and effort to interact with the fans, turning those who happened to be at the races into committed racing enthusiasts. Wayne is in a better place now, with his beloved son Jeff. We can best honor his memory by trying to do a fraction of what The Coach contributed to horse racing beyond his horses on the racetrack. National Thoroughbred Racing Association president and CEO Tom Rooney Our thoughts are with the Lukas family and the countless others that have been fortunate enough to know the Coach. It is hard to imagine Thoroughbred racing without the presence of D. Wayne Lukas. His passion for the sport was unparalleled, and his legacy will live on in the champions he trained and the numerous men and women he mentored along the way. His horsemanship reshaped the sport, and his impact will be felt for generations to come. If there's a Mount Rushmore of horse trainers, D. Wayne Lukas is on it. David O'Rourke, New York Racing Association president and CEO D. Wayne Lukas' vision and creativity transformed horse racing forever. He achieved success on a scale without precedent and developed a generation of trainers who continue to shape the future of the sport. New York's racing community and fans will miss Wayne, and we look forward to celebrating his life and legacy this summer at Saratoga Race Course. Ocala Breeders' Sales The impact D. Wayne Lukas had on the sport of Thoroughbred racing is one that cannot be encapsulated by words alone. He revolutionized his craft more than any individual in modern times and is directly responsible for the ideologies carried by many of the top horsemen who dominate the industry today. His presence and wisdom transcended any space he entered, be it the racetrack, the winner's circle, or the public auction arena. He forever changed the industry and, most importantly, he indelibly changed lives. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who loved him. Louis Cella, Oaklawn Park president Wayne Lukas was more than a Hall of Fame trainer—he was a cornerstone of our racing program. His impact here was immediate and everlasting. He helped shape what Oaklawn is today and was a mentor to so many in our industry. We are heartbroken. Santa Anita Park Santa Anita Park joins the racing community in mourning the passing of trainer D. Wayne Lukas. We are grateful for his legacy as he will always remain a cherished part of The Great Race Place. A truly transformational figure, it is fitting that Wayne's full-time foray into Thoroughbred racing began in 1977 with a Santa Anita Park winner named Current Concept, as his successful training concept set a course for generations of horsemen and women who sprouted from the Lukas training tree. His on-track success was such that it was easy to overlook his outstanding horsemanship that we were lucky to often witness back at his barn, away from the spotlight. Our deepest condolences are extended to Wayne's wife Laurie, grandchildren Brady and Kelly, Wayne's young great-grandchildren and to those whose lives Wayne touched throughout his remarkable life. May his memory be a blessing. Alan M. Foreman, Chairman/CEO Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association The Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association joins with our colleagues across the country and the entire racing community in mourning the passing of one of the most iconic and influential horsemen in our sport's history—D. Wayne Lukas. Much has already been said and written about his extraordinary life, but simply put, he was a transformational figure in the modern era of Thoroughbred racing. His competitive spirit, professionalism, and unmatched record of success made him a household name well beyond the racetrack—one of the few in our industry recognized across all of sports. Coach was a horseman of remarkable skill and unwavering integrity. He never courted controversy, once saying, "Just tell me the rules and I'll follow them." That philosophy, paired with his drive and vision, helped shape generations of horses, horsemen, and fans. It is difficult to imagine a Triple Crown or Breeders' Cup without his presence. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and all those who had the privilege of learning from and working alongside him. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and the countless lives he touched. Though we've lost a legend, the sport he shaped remains richer for his presence, and his rich legacy will endure.