LOUISVILLE, Ky. —
Hall of Fame horse trainer D. Wayne Lukas, one of the most decorated and influential figures in the history of thoroughbred racing, died Saturday night at his home in Louisville, Kentucky. He was 89.

Lukas, who had been battling complications from a severe MRSA infection that affected his heart and digestive system, passed away surrounded by family. Known for his relentless work ethic and strategic brilliance, Lukas leaves behind a towering legacy in the world of horse racing.

“Wayne devoted his life not only to horses but to the industry — mentoring future generations and welcoming countless fans into the sport,” his family said in a statement.

🏆 A Record-Setting Career

Over more than 40 years in the sport, Lukas built an unmatched resume:

• 15 Triple Crown race victories, including four Kentucky Derby wins

• 20 Breeders' Cup wins, tied for the most in history

• 4,967 wins and over $310 million in career earnings

• Inducted into the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame in 1999

His first Triple Crown victory came in 1980 at the Preakness Stakes with Codex. Decades later, at age 87, he captured another Preakness title in 2023 with Seize the Grey, proving that age had done nothing to dull his competitive fire.

🐴 “The Coach” and His Lasting Impact

Before training horses, Lukas coached high school basketball — earning him the affectionate nickname “Coach” in the racing world. That same discipline carried over to the track, where he redefined large-scale training operations and mentored many of today’s top trainers.

Even in his late 80s, Lukas was known to mount his pony before dawn and oversee workouts himself. He believed the difference-maker was not just the horse, but how the trainer read and responded to it.

“The whole secret of this game is reading the horse,” Lukas once said. “Everyone has the same tools — it’s what you do with them.”

🔁 A Resurgence in His Final Years

After decades of dominance, Lukas saw a resurgence in the 2020s. With a new group of committed owners and talented horses, he returned to racing's biggest stages. His last major win came in 2023 with Seize the Grey, reigniting excitement around a trainer whose methods remained timeless.

“If you have a passion, you eliminate all the excuses,” Lukas said. “The most important decision you'll ever make in life is your attitude. Make it early, and make it right.”

🕊️ A Farewell to a Giant

Wayne Lukas passed away where he built much of his life and legacy: in Kentucky, the heart of horse racing. His family said he spent his final days embracing peace, faith, and family.

“Today we lost one of Churchill Downs’ greatest champions,” said Churchill Downs CEO Bill Carstanjen. “We will miss his humor, his wisdom, and his unmatched ability to thrill the world on racing’s biggest days.”