Churchill Downs press release

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.”

D. WAYNE LUKAS FILE

• For a photo essay, please click here
• Elected to the Hall of Fame, 1999
• 4-time Eclipse Award winner as outstanding trainer
• 7 Preakness wins from 1980 (Codex) to 2024 (Seize the Grey)
• 4 Kenucky Derby wins
• 4 total Belmont Stakes wins, including three in a row 1994-1996 with Tabasco Cat, Thunder Gulch, and Editor’s Note
• 20 Breeders’ Cup wins, including the 1999 Classic with Cat Thief
• Concludes career with 4,963 wins from 30,439 starts and purse earnings of $300.5 million