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.

Much has been written about his lifetime of accomplishments. An outstanding piece honoring his life was written by BloodHorse editor Frank Angst (Industry-Shaping Horseman Lukas Dies at Age 89 - BloodHorse).

Beyond the trophies and accomplishments, there will always be more to remember. One of “the Coach’s” talents was his ability to speak “in perfect sound bites.” Every Triple Crown race that had a Lukas entry immediately improved with the Coach’s opinions. If he had a Kentucky Derby entry, his barn at Churchill Downs became the place to visit on a daily basis.

If the Coach and Bob Baffert were both at the Preakness Stakes’ Alibi breakfast? Then it was standing room only as everyone knew that they were in for a real treat as the “boys” bantered back and forth with a twinkle in their eyes. 

Lukas had his rituals and his peaceful time. He owned the mornings at the track. Media folks had to get there early in order to catch him if they wanted to grab a quick quote. He was like clockwork climbing onto one of his treasured ponies as he headed onto the track long before the sun rose to watch his horses train. He was no fair-weather flower. There are many photos of him alone in his rain slicker out on an empty track under the lights in the pouring rain. 

Telling great stories at Churchill Downs. (Julie June Stewart photo)

Lukas was an excellent ambassador for horse racing. He delighted the fans in 2017 when he was the guest speaker at the Kentucky Derby Museum’s Fan Fest Day. He showed up in his traditional blue jeans, sunglasses, and black cowboy hat. Like a seasoned pro, he deftly started telling stories to the gathered fans in the grandstand. He shared his perspectives on the horses and people in his life. Louisville resident Jan Landeau said Lukas “was quite charming, open and just a delight.”

With a background in coaching, Wisconsin native Lukas was influenced by Green Bay Packers legend Vince Lombardi and the great Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz. In his 2018 speech at the Jockey Club’s annual awards luncheon, he said, “I really believe that to get where you want to go is a real decision on choices that you make every day. Our successes motivate us, but our failures educate us. I think it’s very important not to be afraid to lose. Don’t be afraid of how many pails of milk you spill. Just don’t lose the cow!”

Lukas added, “The racehorse business is really a game where you have to be not afraid to lose, but I think there’s a way to handle it and that’s your attitude. It’s the most important decision you make every day. Make it early and make the right decision.” 

It is often said that the first holiday season after losing someone special is the most difficult. The holidays do seem to magnify one’s losses from the year. But for racing fans, the upcoming year will hold many moments of remembrance and personal grief. There will be the sadness of the first spring of not seeing Lukas on the track in the early morning. Fans and seasoned racetrackers will look towards the “Lukas” gap and remember seeing him on his pony. His wit and presence will be missed at press conferences. Many will mention him at Churchill Downs and other tracks where his presence will still be felt and missed throughout the upcoming year.   

It’s hard to lose an icon, especially one who has been a significant factor in horse racing for decades. Lukas influenced thousands of people through his dedication, drive, and determination.

He was an active supporter of the Kentucky Derby Museum. He gave them his personal Thoroughbred collection which included four Kentucky Derby Rings and trophies, his Breeders’ Cup trophies, his Eclipse awards for Outstanding Trainer and many more personal trophies and mementos of his successful career. He said, “When I was considering a permanent home for my collection, the (Derby) Museum was an ideal fit to protect and showcase my legacy for many years to come.”  

The Lukas exhibit at the museum fills the room with his presence and where he remains larger than life. It features some of his 1,200 trophies and awards. It is a beautiful tribute to a man who gave so much to horse racing through a long and fascinating career.

Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens recalled that once he convinced the museum staff to let Lukas and himself into the Great Hall to watch the museum’s showcase movie “The Greatest Race.” As the music swelled and the horses pounded to the finish line in surround sound, Lukas said, “Now THAT is what we are here for!  That’s what it’s all about!”

One of Lukas’s most cherished traditions at the track was selecting a young child to come to the winner’s circle when he won. He said, “You would not believe the effect it has on these young kids.” He remembered telling a young man, “Don’t bet on the horses. Buy books!,” and years later the young man (who became an attorney) returned to the track to thank him. 

While we will be missing D. Wayne Lukas during the upcoming year, it’s good to know that there are many memories of him that will be circulating for years. People will cherish items purchased at the auction from his barn. People will be telling stories for years to come. It is only fitting that a remembrance of Coach should end with him getting the last word. 

“When all the fanfare is over, and they’re patting you on the back, and the music dies and you go take the toast with the governor. You go to the press conference, and all the accolades are thrown out and everything. I think that the most important thing is when you go to your room that night, in the quiet and you put the championship ring on the dresser, you know that the trophy is in its place on the mantle. You ask yourself quietly, ‘Did I make a difference?’ That to me is the most important thing. ‘Did I make a difference somewhere in somebody’s life?’ Live everyday like it’s your last and one day you’ll be right.” 

Throughout this upcoming year, his presence will be felt and he will be missed.