LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Corridor of Fame horse racing coach D. Wayne Lukas has been hospitalized and won’t return to coaching, Churchill Downs introduced Sunday after talking with members of his household.
Lukas’ household stated the 89-year-old has battled a extreme an infection that has worsened and that he has declined an aggressive therapy plan to as a substitute return dwelling. His horses have been transferred to assistant coach Sebastian “Bas” Nicholl.
“Wayne constructed a legacy that can by no means be matched,” Nicholl stated. “Each determination I make, each horse I saddle, I will hear his voice at the back of my thoughts. This is not about filling his footwear – nobody can. It is about honoring the whole lot that he is constructed.”
Lukas is likely one of the most achieved individuals within the historical past of the game. His 15 Triple Crown victories are second solely to good buddy Bob Baffert, and Lukas has a record-tying 20 within the Breeders Cup.
He gained the Kentucky Derby 4 instances since 1988. His most up-to-date victory within the Triple Crown got here final yr with Seize the Gray within the Preakness, his seventh — one in need of Baffert’s file.
“Wayne is likely one of the biggest opponents and most necessary figures in Thoroughbred racing historical past,” Churchill Downs president Mike Anderson stated. “He transcended the game of horse racing and took the trade to new ranges. The lasting influence of his character and knowledge, from his acute horsemanship to his unmatched consideration to element, shall be actually missed. The enormity of this information is immense, and our prayers are along with his household and associates around the globe throughout this tough time.”