D. Wayne Lukas, a Hall of Fame horse trainer who became one of the most accomplished figures in the history of horse racing, has passed away at the age of 89. Known for his 15 Triple Crown race wins, Lukas was second only to his good friend Bob Baffert in this prestigious category.

Early Life and Career

Born Darnell Wayne Lukas on September 2, 1935, in Wisconsin, Lukas initially rose to prominence in the sport with quarter horses in sprint races. He transitioned to thoroughbreds in the late 1970s and won his first Preakness with Codex in 1980.

Triple Crown Success

Lukas' Triple Crown victories include four Kentucky Derby wins, seven Preakness Stakes, and four Belmont Stakes. His notable horses include Winning Colors, Thunder Gulch, Grindstone, and Charismatic.

Legacy and Impact

Lukas was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to read and understand horses. His career spanned decades, during which he developed generations of horsemen and women, significantly contributing to the growth of the sport.

Final Days

Lukas spent his final days at his home in Louisville, Kentucky, surrounded by family and faith. His family described him as a man who brought heart, grace, and grit to every corner of the sport.

Tributes

Bob Baffert, a fellow Hall of Fame trainer, paid tribute to Lukas, calling him "probably the greatest horseman who ever lived." Churchill Downs Inc. CEO Bill Carstanjen also expressed deep sorrow, highlighting Lukas' unmatched capacity to thrill fans on the sport's biggest days.

Career Renaissance

In his later years, Lukas experienced a career renaissance, crediting his success to finding the right owners willing to invest in horses. He won the Preakness last year with Seize the Grey, proving that his passion for the sport never waned.

Words of Wisdom

Lukas often emphasized the importance of passion and attitude in achieving success. His motivational words continue to inspire those in the horse racing industry and beyond.

D. Wayne Lukas' legacy in horse racing is one of excellence, dedication, and an unwavering love for the sport. His contributions will be remembered for generations to come.