The world of Thoroughbred racing was taken by surprise June 22 with the announcement that legendary Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas would be stepping away from training after being hospitalized in Louisville, Ky.

In the sport of horse racing, a great deal of emphasis is placed on winning the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes, the three races that comprise the coveted U.S. Triple Crown.

Almost as much attention is paid to the Breeders’ Cup, the 14-race extravaganza that serves as the year-end championship of U.S. horse racing.