At the end of the year, it is typical to remember those we have lost. This was a difficult year in horse racing with the loss of legendary Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas (Sept. 2, 1935 – June 28, 2025). He was iconic in so many facets of horse racing and such a character who lived unapologetically with such style.

We’ve reached the unique point on the North American horse racing calendar where for one day no Thoroughbred tracks are operating – this Thursday, as the racing community along with everyone else celebrates the Christmas holiday. Several major tracks are right back at it on Friday, Dec. 26, but this year the traditional day-after-Christmas highlight, opening day at Santa Anita Park, will be postponed two days due to a forecast of heavy rain in southern California this week.