Towards the close of the year, it is customary to reflect on individuals who have passed away. For the horse racing community, this year proved challenging due to the passing of the esteemed Hall of Fame trainer, D. Wayne Lukas (born September 2, 1935, died June 28, 2025). His influence spanned numerous aspects of the sport, and he was a distinctive figure known for living authentically and with remarkable panache.
A considerable amount of material has been published detailing his career achievements. A notable tribute celebrating his existence was penned by Frank Angst, an editor at BloodHorse (Industry-Shaping Horseman Lukas Dies at Age 89 – BloodHorse).
Beyond the array of awards and achievements, numerous other aspects of his life will perpetually be recalled. A particular skill of “the Coach” was his knack for delivering “impeccable sound bites.” Any Triple Crown event featuring a Lukas-trained horse was instantly enhanced by the Coach’s insights. Should he have an entry in the Kentucky Derby, his stable at Churchill Downs transformed into the essential daily stop.
When both the Coach and Bob Baffert attended the Preakness Stakes’ Alibi breakfast, the venue would be packed to capacity, as attendees anticipated a truly delightful experience watching the “gentlemen” engage in playful exchanges, their eyes sparkling with amusement.
Lukas adhered to specific routines and cherished moments of tranquility. The early hours at the racetrack were his domain. Journalists needed to arrive exceptionally early to secure a brief statement from him. He was consistently punctual, mounting one of his beloved ponies and heading to the track well before dawn to observe his horses’ training. He was not deterred by adverse conditions. Numerous images depict him solitary in his rain gear on a deserted track, illuminated by lights amidst heavy rainfall.
Lukas served as a superb representative for the sport of horse racing. He captivated enthusiasts in 2017 while appearing as the featured speaker at the Kentucky Derby Museum’s Fan Fest Day. He arrived dressed in his characteristic blue denim, shaded eyewear, and a dark cowboy hat. With the ease of a seasoned veteran, he skillfully began recounting anecdotes to the crowd assembled in the grandstand. He offered insights into the equines and individuals who populated his life. Jan Landeau, a resident of Louisville, described Lukas as “utterly engaging, approachable, and simply wonderful.”
Hailing from Wisconsin, Lukas, with his coaching background, drew inspiration from the iconic Green Bay Packers figure Vince Lombardi and the distinguished Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz. During his address at the Jockey Club’s yearly awards luncheon in 2018, he stated, “I genuinely hold that achieving your aspirations hinges on the concrete decisions you make each day. Our triumphs spur us onward, while our setbacks instruct us. I consider it paramount not to dread defeat. Don’t be concerned by the amount of milk you might accidentally tip over. Just ensure you don’t lose the entire cow!”
Lukas further commented, “The field of racehorses is truly a domain where one must be unafraid of defeat, but I believe there’s an approach to manage it, and that is through your disposition. It represents the most crucial choice you face daily. Make it promptly and ensure it’s the correct one.”
It’s commonly acknowledged that the initial festive period following the departure of a beloved individual poses the greatest challenge. Indeed, holidays tend to amplify the year’s bereavements. However, for enthusiasts of horse racing, the forthcoming year will bring numerous occasions for commemoration and individual sorrow. A poignant void will be felt during the inaugural spring without Lukas visible on the track in the pre-dawn hours. Spectators and veteran track personnel will gaze toward the familiar “Lukas” opening and recall witnessing him atop his pony. His cleverness and demeanor will be absent from media briefings. Many will invoke his name at Churchill Downs and other circuits where his influence will continue to resonate and be longed for throughout the coming twelve months.
The departure of a towering figure is difficult, particularly one who has been a pivotal force in horse racing for many decades. Lukas impacted countless individuals through his commitment, ambition, and resolve.
He actively championed the Kentucky Derby Museum. He bequeathed his personal assortment of Thoroughbred memorabilia, encompassing four Kentucky Derby rings and trophies, his Breeders’ Cup trophies, his Eclipse awards for Outstanding Trainer, and numerous other personal accolades and keepsakes from his distinguished profession. He articulated, “As I pondered a lasting abode for my collection, the (Derby) Museum presented an impeccable choice to safeguard and exhibit my heritage for generations to come.”
The museum’s display dedicated to Lukas imbues the space with his essence, where he continues to appear larger than life. It showcases a selection of his 1,200 awards and honors. This serves as a magnificent homage to an individual who contributed immensely to horse racing throughout an extensive and compelling career.
Gary Stevens, a Hall of Fame jockey, recounted an occasion when he persuaded the museum personnel to grant Lukas and him access to the Great Hall to view the museum’s featured film, “The Greatest Race.” As the orchestral score intensified and the thundering hooves approached the finish line in immersive audio, Lukas declared, “THIS is precisely why we’re here! That encapsulates everything!”
Among Lukas’s most treasured customs at the racetrack was choosing a youngster to join him in the winner’s circle following a victory. He remarked, “The impact this has on these children is truly astonishing.” He recollected advising a young boy, “Avoid wagering on horses. Purchase books instead!” and years subsequently, that same young man (who went on to become a lawyer) revisited the track to express his gratitude.
Although D. Wayne Lukas will be absent in the coming year, it is reassuring to recognize that countless recollections of him will endure for many years. Individuals will treasure artifacts acquired from his stable at auction. Anecdotes about him will be shared for decades. It is entirely appropriate that a tribute to the Coach concludes with his own final sentiments.
“Once all the public celebration concludes, and congratulations are extended, and the melodies fade, and you share a celebratory drink with the governor. You attend the media briefing, and all the commendations are expressed and so forth. I believe the paramount consideration arises when you retreat to your quarters that evening, in the stillness, and place the championship ring on the dresser, knowing the award rests properly on the mantel. You silently ponder, ‘Did my actions have an impact?’ To me, that is what truly matters most. ‘Did I contribute positively to someone’s existence?’ Approach each day as though it were your final one, and eventually, you will be correct.”
Throughout the entirety of this approaching year, his influence will be perceived, and his absence will be acutely felt.
