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Old Today, 02:30 PM
Kasept's Avatar
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Steve Byk
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Greenwich, NY
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Default D. Wayne Lukas, 89

They say no one is bigger than the game, but it feels fair to say that Wayne Lukas was certainly as big. Deepest condolences to Laurie, his grandchildren, the legion of industry participants he trained and influenced and his countless admirers..
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Old Today, 02:31 PM
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Steve Byk
 
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Churchill Downs News Release: Legendary Hall of Fame Trainer D. Wayne Lukas Passes Away at Age 89
Jun 29, 2025


Legendary Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas passed away peacefully at his home in Louisville, Ky. on Saturday night. He was 89.



The following is a statement from the Lukas family:



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



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.”
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All ambitions are lawful except those which climb upward on the miseries or credulities of mankind. ~ Joseph Conrad
A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right. ~ Thomas Paine
Don't let anyone tell you that your dreams can't come true. They are only afraid that theirs won't and yours will. ~ Robert Evans
The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command. ~ George Orwell, 1984.
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  #3  
Old Today, 02:45 PM
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ninetoone ninetoone is offline
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A true legend. RIP sir.
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  #4  
Old Today, 03:06 PM
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Heels1989 Heels1989 is offline
Oaklawn
 
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RIP Coach. A legend indeed. When we were deciding on names for our son, now 14, we landed on Aaron Lukas. The spelling of Lukas was never in question.
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