Churchill Downs confirmed Thursday that Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas has been hospitalized in Louisville, Kentucky and will not return to training.
Family members revealed that Lukas has been battling a severe infection that has worsened his condition. The legendary trainer has reportedly declined aggressive treatment options, choosing instead to return home to spend his remaining time with loved ones.
As part of a succession plan established by Lukas Enterprises, Inc., horses previously under Lukas’s care have been transferred to his assistant Sebastian “Bas” Nicholl.
“Wayne built a legacy that will never be matched,” Nicholl said. “Every decision I make, every horse I saddle, I’ll hear his voice in the back of my mind. This isn’t about filling his shoes–no one can–it’s about honoring everything that he’s built.”
## Industry Reaction
Mike Anderson, president of Churchill Downs Racetrack, addressed the news with profound respect.
“Wayne is one of the greatest competitors and most important figures in Thoroughbred racing history. He transcended the sport of horse racing and took the industry to new levels,” Anderson said. “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.”
The Kentucky HBPA released a statement acknowledging Lukas’s transformative impact on the sport.
“There will never be another D. Wayne Lukas. Not even close. He single-handedly changed horse racing by combining a marketing approach with horsemanship. The Lukas ‘coaching tree’ is just one component of a legacy that will endure as long as there is horse racing,” the organization stated.
“Even as he approaches his 90th birthday, we long viewed The Coach as indestructible, including getting on his pony for morning training, winning the Preakness Stakes at age 88 and–every year–looking forward to seeing his new crop of 2-year-olds race.”
The statement continued: “We will be keeping wife Laurie, grandson Brady and granddaughter Kelly in our hearts during this difficult time and hope they take comfort in knowing how many lives D. Wayne touched. That includes the owners he put on a magical ride, but also the little kids he invited into the winner’s circle when he won a race. Wayne showed us not only how to be a horseman as well as a showman but also an ambassador for the sport and industry he and we all love so much. When it comes to D. Wayne Lukas, the best two words we can say are ‘thank you’.”
Eric Hamelback, CEO of the NHBPA, also issued a statement on behalf of the organization and its affiliates.
We, the affiliates of the National HBPA, along with the entire horse racing community, are keeping Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas in our thoughts and prayers after learning the news of his illness coming to light.
“Wayne Lukas is more than just a legendary name in Thoroughbred racing, he is an icon whose impact on this sport spans generations,” Hamelback continued. “His unmatched accomplishments, from multiple Eclipse Awards to countless Classic victories, have set a standard of excellence that few will ever reach. Beyond his victories on the racetrack, Wayne’s mentorship of countless horsemen and women has helped shape the very fabric of our industry.”
Hamelback noted Lukas’s contribution to the NHBPA National Conference at Oaklawn Park in 2022, where he served as keynote speaker.
“Wayne graciously shared his wisdom, insights, and passion for the sport with all in attendance. His words that day inspired those in attendance and he reminded us of his formula for success: enduring values, hard work, integrity, and vision – and yes more hard work,” Hamelback said. “His strength and determination, have defined his remarkable career, continue to inspire us all.”
