On June 28, 2025, the horse racing community was heartbroken as Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas passed away peacefully at his home in Louisville, Kentucky, at the age of 89. Lukas, a giant in the sport for more than fifty years, was dealing with a tough MRSA blood infection that made his ongoing health issues even worse. He chose to forgo intense treatment so he could spend his last days with his family by his side. His passing really signified the close of a chapter for someone who transformed Thoroughbred racing. He racked up 15 Triple Crown wins and 20 Breeders’ Cup events and played a huge role in guiding countless trainers, including his good friend and competitor Bob Baffert.

Baffert saw Lukas as more than just a competitor; he was a mentor, a standard to measure against, and a key figure in shaping Baffert’s career. During a heartfelt chat with host Ren Carothers on Breeders’ Cup’s X post, Baffert, usually pretty composed, opened up about his feelings while talking about Lukas’ legacy.

“Wayne Lukas, you know, I’m really going to miss him. I’ve known him since I was, like, 17 years old. I’ve known of him. And what he did in the quarter horse world, a lot of people don’t know—how he went through there, and he just really classed it up and turned it completely around, you know, for the better,” Baffert said. “And then he jumped to the thoroughbreds; it’s the same thing. I mean, the guy was just, uh. Not only was he such a legend, but he was also a great horseman. At the end of the day, he was always the bar to me when it came to the business. He always will be.”

Baffert really highlighted how much respect he has for Lukas, and one could feel that same vibe all around the racing community. Lukas kicked off his career in Quarter Horse racing, racking up an impressive 739 wins and training 24 world champions.

Then, in the late 1970s, he made the switch to Thoroughbreds. Even in his later years, Lukas showed that age was just a number, clinching the 2024 Preakness with Seize the Grey at 88. It was a win that brought Baffert in for a heartfelt embrace in the winner’s circle, creating a moment that feels like a touching goodbye.

Absolutely, Wayne Lukas has set quite a legacy for trainers like Baffert to follow. However, his season hasn’t been going great, but it seems like the trainer is really starting to bounce back in these summer races.

Bob Baffert eyeing his comeback

Bob Baffert is back at Del Mar, and he really made a splash with Desert Gate’s amazing 8 3/4-length win in the Grade 3 Best Pal Stakes. This win marks his impressive 12th victory in that race! Also, Himika really sparkled with a solid 4 1/4-length victory in the Grade 3 Sorrento Stakes, marking his ninth win in that event.

These wins with jockey Juan Hernandez really showcased Baffert’s incredible talent for developing outstanding 2-year-olds, especially in a year when his Triple Crown contenders didn’t quite hit the mark. And while Baffert’s 2-year-olds have been stealing the spotlight, he’s now setting his sights on the $1 million Pacific Classic coming up on August 30. His main horse, Nysos, is all set to make a splash!

This 4-year-old son of Nyquist, who took home the win at the Grade 2 San Diego Handicap on July 26, was back on the track for a workout, completing 5 furlongs in 1:01.4. The 1 1/4-mile race is a “Win and You’re In” qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup. If Nysos maintains his form, he could really secure a spot in that prestigious race.