THE D. Wayne Lukas

(From a display in the Kentucky Derby Museum)

There are fewer horse men in the sport as decorated as Darrell Wayne Lukas. Born in Antigo, Wisconsin on a small farm, he developed a reputation as a talented trainer while working with world champion quarter horses. He made the switch to thoroughbred racing in 1978 and became the first trainer in history to win $100 million in purse money. Lukas also has a record setting 14 wins in the Triple Crown races, as well as another 20 in the Breeders’ Cup events.

To date, Lukas has submitted the most horses in to the Kentucky Derby with 48 starts, giving him a record of 4-1-5. His victorious horses at the derby have included Winning Colors (1988), Thunder Gulch (1995), Grindstone (1996), and Charismatic (1999).

His accomplishments have earned him five Eclipse Awards for Outstanding Trainer, as well as an Eclipse Award of Merit. Lukas is inducted in the United States Racing Hall of Fame (1999) and was also inducted in to the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame (2007). Other notable trainees have included Azeri, Cara Rafaela, Corporate Report, Criminal Type, Dance Floor, Golden Attraction, Grand Slam, Honour and Glory, North Sider, River Memories, Serena’s Song, Sharp Cat, Star of Cozzene, Tamarisk, Terlingua and Will Take Charge.

This year Lukas is ran Bravazo in the Derby where he took 6th place on the sloppy track.  Two weeks later Bravazo ran again in the Preakness, on another sloppy track, where he came in 2nd to Derby winner Justify.  

Next time out... the Belmont!

OK, when we came around the corner and I saw that sign, I was excited!!

See the buckskin?  That is him!

I don't know what horse he's bringing out... it is not Bravazo or Sporting Chance.

Guess he was a bit tired too...

This is the other horse he was working at the time we were there.  Not Bravazo or Sporting Chance either.

Watching the workout.  He didn't seem real happy with it.  Hmmmm

Clipping on the lead line to head back to the barn.  This man is 82 years old and sits a horse like a decades younger man.

As we left, Lukas was fooling around with one of his 'pony' horses.  What a gorgeous overo Paint!

Not sure what he was doing but everyone was quite amused.

Having a talk with him.  He doesn't look convinced...

It was exciting to see one of the legends of racing at work!