Hall of Fame Trainer D. Wayne Lukas Hospitalized, Steps Back from Racing
Louisville, KY — Legendary horse racing trainer D. Wayne Lukas, 89, has been hospitalized due to a severe MRSA blood infection that has significantly affected his heart and digestive system, as confirmed by his family and Churchill Downs. Declining a proposed aggressive treatment involving multiple surgeries, Lukas has opted to return home, marking the end of his illustrious training career.
Lukas, a towering figure in the sport, has a staggering 15 Triple Crown victories and a record-tying 20 Breeders’ Cup wins. His most recent Triple Crown success came in 2024 with Seize the Grey at the Preakness, bringing him within one of the record held by his close friend, Bob Baffert.
Assistant trainer Sebastian "Bas" Nicholl, who has worked with Lukas since 2002, will now take over the training of Lukas’s horses. "Wayne built a legacy that will never be matched," said Nicholl, emphasizing his mentor’s enduring influence.
Churchill Downs President Mike Anderson praised Lukas’s contributions, noting that he "transcended the sport" and will be profoundly missed. Lukas, affectionately known as “Coach,” remains a beloved figure in both horse racing and the broader sports community.
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