Tributes paid after legendary trainer D Wayne Lukas dies 'peacefully', aged 89

Tributes have been paid following the death of legendary trainer D Wayne Lukas, who was 89. The 89-year-old trained nearly 5,000 winners, including 15 in Triple Crown races of which four were Kentucky Derby winners, and 20 Breeders’ Cup winners. He topped the trainers’ rankings by prize-money won 14 times.

A week earlier the Lukas family announced that the trainer popularly known as ‘Coach’ had been forced to give up his six decades long training career after being hospitalised in Louisville, Kentucky, with a severe and worsening infection.

He had declined an aggressive treatment plan and in order to spend his remaining time with his family. On Sunday his family shared the sad news of his passing in a statement issued by Churchill Downs.

They said: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved husband, grandfather, and great-grandfather, D. Wayne Lukas, who left this world peacefully yesterday evening at the age of 89, surrounded by family.

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“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.

“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.”

Lukas amassed 4,967 wins and his horses earned more than $301 million from 30,607 starts, including 1,105 stakes wins of which 637 were of the graded stakes variety.

His final winner came on June 12 at Churchill Downs with Tour Player, who is owned by fellow trainer Bob Baffert’s wife Jill.

Baffert posted his own tribute to his long-time friend and rival. He said: ““Wayne was a game changer, transforming horse racing for the better. He made it so the horse’s bloodlines were more important than the owner’s.

“He created a system of flying his horses coast to coast, establishing a presence at every major racetrack in America. And Wayne didn’t just show up. He dominated.

“He won so much he became known as ‘D. Wayne off the plane.’ He developed the blueprint the rest of us still follow. He was a true visionary.”

Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens said: “I will miss you My Friend. Love You and thank you. My Prayers go out to all family members. No one was was bigger to this Game Except For Wayne.”