In May of this year, legendary horse trainer D. Wayne Lukas participated in the Kentucky Derby for the 51st time. He won the race four times with Winning Colors 1988, Thunder Gulch 1995, Grindstone 1996, and Charismatic 999. A 15-time Triple Crown winner, Wayne was one of the most well-respected trainers in the business.. His family shared sad news on June 29. D. Wayne Lukas died on June 28 following a battle with MRSA. His family announced his death in a statement via Churchill Downs.
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Family addressed the statement to the racing community it reads part,
“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. Whether he was boasting about a maiden 2-year-old as the next Kentucky Derby winner or offering quiet words of advice before a big race, Wayne brought heart, grace, and grit to every corner of the sport. His final days were spent at home in Kentucky, where he chose peace, family, and faith. As we grieve at his passing, we find peace in knowing he is now reunited with his beloved son, Jeff, whose memory he carried in his heart always,” his family shared. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from all corners of the racing community — from racetracks across the country to lifelong friends and respected rivals, and from fans who never missed a post parade when ‘Lukas’ was listed in the program.”
Wayne Lukas Leaves Behind A Loving Family
D. Wayne Lukas was a devoted husband to Laurie Lynn Lukas and father to the late Jeff Lukas. He is survived by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“A four-time winner of the Kentucky Derby, today 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,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Incorporated. “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.”
D. Wayne Lukas was 89 years old.
This story’s featured image is by axeiz via Shutterstock.
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