D. Wayne Lukas Kentucky, Obituary– Hall of Fame horse trainer D. Wayne Lukas, whose name became synonymous with success on the American racing circuit, has died at age 89. His family confirmed he passed away peacefully at home in Kentucky on Saturday evening, surrounded by loved ones, after battling a severe infection caused by Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Lukas, born Darrell Wayne Lukas, was rushed to hospital last week as his illness worsened, but ultimately declined further treatment, choosing to spend his final days in comfort with family.
In a heartfelt statement, his family shared, “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 passing comes just a day after the death of fellow racing legend Barry Hills.
Throughout a career that spanned more than five decades, Lukas trained many of the sport’s biggest names, including Horses of the Year Charismatic and Criminal Type. He claimed four Kentucky Derby victories and six consecutive Triple Crown races in the mid-1990s, leaving a mark on American racing that few could match. Lukas also shares the record for the most Breeders’ Cup wins—20—tied with Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien.
He retired earlier this month after saddling his final horse at Churchill Downs. His barn will now be overseen by his longtime assistant, British trainer and former Army veteran Sebastian “Bas” Nicholl.
Lukas’s personal life was marked by both devotion and heartbreak. His only child, Jeff Lukas, suffered catastrophic injuries in 1993 while trying to stop a loose colt at Santa Anita. The accident left Jeff with permanent brain damage. Although he returned to racing for a time, Jeff died in 2016 at age 58.
“Wayne is now reunited with his beloved son, Jeff, whose memory he carried in his heart always,” the family said.
Tributes poured in from across the racing community. Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert remembered Lukas as a transformative figure: “Wayne was a game-changer. He created the system the rest of us still follow. He was a true visionary.”
Known for his sharp suits and relentless drive, Lukas earned more than £225 million in prize money from 4,967 winners. Even in his final weeks, he was pictured riding out horses at Belmont Park.
As the sport mourns his loss, D. Wayne Lukas leaves behind an unmatched legacy built on talent, innovation, and a lifelong passion for racing.
Rest in peace, D. Wayne Lukas
