Santa Anita Park officials Sunday were mourning the loss of Hall of Fame horse trainer D. Wayne Lukas, who passed away in Louisville at the age of 89.
Lukas died Saturday night, according to his family. He had been hospitalized for a severe MRSA blood infection.
“We are grateful for his legacy as he will always remain a cherished part of The Great Race Place. A truly transformational figure, it is fitting that Wayne’s fulltime foray into thoroughbred racing began in 1977 with a Santa Anita Park winner named Current Concept, as his successful training concept set a course for generations of horsemen and women who sprouted from the Lukas training tree,” the Arcadia track said in a statement.
“His on-track success was such that it was easy to overlook his outstanding horsemanship that we were lucky to often witness back at his barn, away from the spotlight,” the statement continued. “Our deepest condolences are extended to Wayne’s wife Laurie, grandchildren Brady and Kelly, Wayne’s young great-grandchildren and to those whose lives Wayne touched throughout his remarkable life. May his memory be a blessing.”
Lukas achieved 15 Triple Crown victories as a trainer, including four Kentucky Derbies. Only Bob Baffert has more, with 17 Triple Crown race victories.