D. Wayne Lukas’ horse racing career is a story of change and success. He was born in 1935 and started out as a high school teacher and basketball coach. Then, in 1968, he made the jump into horse racing as a quarter-horse trainer.
In the next ten years, he really made a name for himself, training 24 world champion quarter horses before moving on to thoroughbred racing in the late 1970s. He got his first thoroughbred win back in October 1977 at Santa Anita, and after that, he really took off—winning his first Preakness in 1980 and going on to snag four Kentucky Derbies, seven Preakness Stakes, and four Belmont Stakes.
In total, he racked up 15 Triple Crown race victories, which puts him right behind Bob Baffert. Lukas has also racked up 20 Breeders’ Cup wins, which ties the record, and he’s notched nearly 5,000 career victories, bringing in over $300 million in earnings. He got inducted into the U.S. Racing Hall of Fame back in 1999 and then into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame in 2007.
However, the most recent developments involving Lukas are quite worrisome. Oaklawn Hot Springs shared an update on X, stating, “According to a statement released by his family, legendary trainer D. Wayne Lukas will not return to racing due to a diagnosis of severe medical issues. Renowned for his remarkable career and lasting impact on the sport, Lukas remains one of horse racing’s most influential figures.”
The 89-year-old Hall of Famer is currently in the hospital in Louisville because of a serious infection—MRSA, to be exact—and has chosen not to pursue aggressive treatment. Given his health situation, all the horses he was taking care of have now been handed over to his long-time assistant, Sebastian “Bas” Nicholl.
According to a statement released by his family, legendary trainer D. Wayne Lukas will not return to racing due to a diagnosis of severe medical issues. Renowned for his remarkable career and lasting impact on the sport, Lukas remains one of horse racing’s most influential… pic.twitter.com/zS1Mf8Gk65
— Oaklawn Hot Springs (@OaklawnRacing) June 22, 2025
Lukas is hanging up his boots, and that really wraps up a significant chapter in horse racing history. After an amazing career spanning decades and almost 5,000 wins, his sudden health decline has left the racing community feeling deeply saddened.
The horse racing community is worried about D. Wayne Lukas
D. Wayne Lukas is truly a legend in the sport. When his retirement was announced, a lot of fans started to voice their confessions. This heartfelt statement really shows how much pain an individual is feeling, as it states, “This breaks my heart.” This fan recognizes Lukas as a true legend in horse racing, saying, “A legend of his own kind! May he find healing and comfort in his difficult days ahead!” One fan is really feeling the loss of that daily, steady presence of the trainer in the racing community, stating, “Gonna miss seeing him on the bench in the paddock.”
Lukas’ career really says a lot about him. It’s not just the fans who are going to miss him. “Wayne is one of the greatest competitors and most important figures in Thoroughbred racing history,” said Mike Anderson, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack. “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.”
However, this comment from a fan really captures the essence of admiration, blending respect for his professional accomplishments with a personal touch. It read, “A legend on the backstretch and a wonderful human being. Hoping for healing, peace, and comfort in the days ahead.” This fan shared, “Sad to hear about D. Wayne Lukas—a true legend in racing. Hope he gets the care he needs.”
People are really expressing their admiration for Lukas’s amazing career while also showing genuine concern for his health. It’s a mix of respect, nostalgia, and heartfelt wishes that truly reflect how much the racing community cares about him.
The post “Breaks My Heart”: Horse Racing Community Weeps as HOF Trainer Steps Away After 57 Years appeared first on EssentiallySports.
