Maryland Racing Community Honors D. Wayne Lukas, Iconic Trainer

D. Wayne Lukas, a towering figure in horse racing, passed away on June 28 in Louisville, Kentucky, at the age of 89. His legacy at Baltimore's Pimlico Race Course is unmatched, with seven Preakness Stakes victories to his name, second only to Bob Baffert's eight wins.

Since his debut in 1980, Lukas has saddled 48 horses in the Preakness, showcasing his remarkable ability to train elite competitors. His prowess extended beyond the Preakness; he also claimed four Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes titles each, solidifying his status as a Triple Crown legend.

On June 22, Lukas's family announced his hospitalization and confirmed he would not return to training. The Maryland Jockey Club expressed their sorrow, calling him a "legendary trainer" and a "true titan of Thoroughbred racing." Their heartfelt message on social media conveyed condolences to his family and friends, emphasizing that his influence would remain a vital part of Maryland Racing.

Pimlico Race Course echoed these sentiments, stating that Lukas "will be deeply missed." They acknowledged the honor of witnessing his legacy and extended their sympathies to the entire racing community.

The Preakness Stakes social media account also shared their grief, labeling him a "legend" and offering thoughts and well wishes to Lukas's family during this difficult time.

Lukas's final appearance at the Preakness was on May 17, where he trained American Promise, who finished eighth among nine competitors. Reflecting on his training philosophy, Lukas remarked, "The whole secret of this game... is being able to read the horse: Read what he needs, what he doesn't need." His insights into horse behavior underscored his unique approach to training.

His first Preakness victory came in 1980 with Codex, who triumphed over Kentucky Derby winner Genuine Risk. This win was not without controversy; Genuine Risk's owners contested the result, alleging interference by jockey Angel Cordero Jr. However, the Maryland Racing Commission ruled the contact incidental, allowing Lukas's victory to stand.

Other notable horses trained by Lukas that won the Preakness include Tank's Prospect (1985), Tabasco Cat (1994), Timber Country (1995), Charismatic (1999), and Oxbow (2013). In 2024, Seize The Grey disrupted Mystik Dan's Triple Crown hopes, further solidifying Lukas's legacy as he edged closer to Baffert's record.

"I'm only one behind him — I warned him already," Lukas said with characteristic humor about the competition. His passion for racing and camaraderie with fellow trainers defined his illustrious career.

As the Maryland racing community reflects on Lukas's contributions, it is clear that his impact will resonate for generations to come.