Legendary horse trainer D. Wayne Lukas dead at 89

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D. Wayne Lukas, the legendary horse trainer who won 15 Triple Crown races, has died, his family announced on Sunday. He was 89,

Lukas had recently been hospitalized with a severe MRSA blood infection that caused major damage to his heart and digestive system. The illness worsened pre-existing chronic conditions.

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American Promise trainer D. Wayne Lukas before the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes, May 17, 2025, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

"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," his family said. 

"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."

Lukas had four Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes victories as well as seven wins in the Preakness Stakes. The Lukas-trained Seize the Grey won the Preakness in 2024.

Trainer D. Wayne Lukas watches a workout at Churchill Downs on May 1, 2025, in Louisville, Kentucky. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)

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He also owns a record-tying 20 wins in the Breeders’ Cup.

"The whole secret of this game, I think, is being able to read the horse: Read what he needs, what he doesn’t need, what he can’t do, what he can do," Lukas said in May before