AQHA and Thoroughbred Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas Passes Away
The American Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred Hall of Famer died at 89.
Legendary racehorse trainer D. Wayne Lukas, a Hall of Famer in both the American Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred industries, passed away peacefully at his home in Louisville, Kentucky, on June 28. He was 89.
With roots deeply embedded in Quarter Horse racing, trainer D. Wayne Lukas crossed into Thoroughbred racing in the late 1970s. Several years ago, Lukas came back to his roots and has not regretted it.
Prior to his racing days, the Wisconsin native coached high school basketball and was a pretty good horseman at Park Jefferson, South Dakota. Lukas saddled the winning Quarter Horses Dash For Cash, Flight 109, Little Blue Sheep and She’s Precious.
In 1979, Lukas saddled his last Quarter Horse winner and went on to train Thoroughbreds. Success followed Lukas into the Thoroughbred circles, and the trainer saddled 15 Triple Crown race winners, including four Kentucky Derby winners. Lukas was also the first trainer to condition the earners of $100 million. At one time, Lukas had conditioned 20 champion Thoroughbreds, including horses of the year Lady’s Secret and Criminal Type.
Lukas bought the American Quarter Horse Sir Ryon, a son of Ronas Ryon, in 1997, just before the final of the Kindergarten Futurity. Lukas soon had a barn at Los Alamitos in California and was conditioning Quarter Horses once again. His horses included First Special Dash, Drop Your Sox and Private Venture.
“My absolute fondest memories, without a doubt, are of my days with Quarter Horses in the Southwest,” said Lukas. “Goliad, Sunland Park, Ruidoso – those were great times; nothing like ’em.”
Lukas was inducted into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame in 2007.
The following is a statement from the Lukas family, sent out by Churchill Downs:
“Racing Community,
“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.
“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.
“He is survived by his devoted wife, Laurie Lynn Lukas; his grandchildren, Brady Wayne Lukas (Dani) and Kelly Lukas Roy (David); his great-grandchildren, Walker Wayne Lukas, Quinn Palmer Lukas, Jonathan James Roy, and Thomas David Roy; his sister, Dauna Lukas Moths; and his brother, Lowell Lukas. He also leaves behind an extended family of horsemen and horsewomen whose lives he shaped, mentored, and inspired.
“In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Oaklawn or Churchill Backside Chaplaincy or the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance — two causes that Wayne held close to his heart.
“A private service will be held with immediate family, with a larger celebration of life to follow. Details will become available at a later date.
“With love and gratitude,
“The Lukas Family”
D. Wayne Lukas, 2007 – courtesy of AQHAl.
Lukas was hospitalized last week as he battled a severe infection that worsened his condition. He declined an aggressive treatment plan and returned home earlier this week to spend his remaining time with family.
“A four-time winner of the Kentucky Derby, today we lost one of the great champions of Churchill Downs and one of the most significant figures in Thoroughbred racing over the last 50 years,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Incorporated. “We will miss his humor, his wisdom and his unmatched capacity to thrill the fans with the performances of his horses on our sport’s biggest days.”
