D. Wayne Lukas’ horse racing career is a story of change and success. He was born in 1935 and started out as a high school teacher and basketball coach. Then, in 1968, he made the jump into horse racing as a quarter-horse trainer. In the next ten years, he made a name for himself, training 24 world champion quarter horses before moving on to thoroughbred racing in the late 1970s. He got his first thoroughbred win back in October 1977 at Santa Anita, and after that, he really took off — winning his first Preakness title in 1980 and going on to snag four Kentucky Derbies, seven Preakness Stakes, and four Belmont Stakes.

In total, he racked up 15 Triple Crown race victories, which puts him right behind Bob Baffert with 17. Lukas has also racked up 20 Breeders’ Cup wins, which ties the record, and he’s notched nearly 5,000 career victories, bringing in over $300 million in earnings. He got inducted into the U.S. Racing Hall of Fame back in 1999 and then into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame in 2007.

However, the most recent developments involving Lukas are quite worrisome. Oaklawn Hot Springs shared an update on X, stating, “According to a statement released by his family, legendary trainer D. Wayne Lukas will not return to racing due to a diagnosis of severe medical issues. Renowned for his remarkable career and lasting impact on the sport, Lukas remains one of horse racing’s most influential figures.”

The 89-year-old Hall of Famer is currently in the hospital in Louisville because of a serious infection—MRSA, to be exact—and has chosen not to pursue aggressive treatment. The infection caused damage to his heart and digestive system, while exacerbating other health issues. Lukas is now in hospice care. Given his health situation, all the horses under his care have now been handed over to his long-time assistant, Sebastian “Bas” Nicholl.

Lukas is hanging up his boots, thus wrapping up a significant chapter in horse racing history. After an amazing career spanning decades and almost 5,000 wins, his sudden health decline has left the racing community feeling shocked and saddened.

The horse racing reacts to the news about D. Wayne Lukas

D. Wayne Lukas is truly a legend in the sport. When his unexpected retirement was announced, many fans came together to celebrate his life and career. But perhaps the comment that cut right to the emotional core was from the fan who simply wrote, “This breaks my heart.”

Another fan wished him well while bringing up his legend status in the sport: “A legend of his own kind! May he find healing and comfort in his difficult days ahead!” After a career that spanned decades, it won’t be easy for fans of Lukas to get used to his absence at races. “Gonna miss seeing him on the bench in the paddock,” wrote a fan, capturing the feelings of no doubt many horse racing enthusiasts.

Lukas’ career really says a lot about him. It’s not just the fans who are going to miss him. “Wayne is one of the greatest competitors and most important figures in Thoroughbred racing history,” said Mike Anderson, president of Churchill Downs Racetrack. “He transcended the sport of horse racing and took the industry to new levels. The lasting impact of his character and wisdom – from his acute horsemanship to his unmatched attention to detail – will be truly missed. The enormity of this news is immense, and our prayers are with his family and friends around the world during this difficult time.”

However, this comment from a fan really captures the essence of admiration, blending respect for his professional accomplishments with a personal touch. It read, “A legend on the backstretch and a wonderful human being. Hoping for healing, peace, and comfort in the days ahead.” And really, that really sums up how most fans are feeling about the man who’s given so much of himself to the sport.

This fan shared, “Sad to hear about D. Wayne Lukas—a true legend in racing. Hope he gets the care he needs.” With Lukas, it wasn’t just about the wins. It was also about the legacy he’s left behind, coaching several conditioners, like Dallas Stewart and Mike Maker, to become trainers themselves. Not only that, Lukas was also known for trusting young jockeys and allowing them to go up on the biggest stages. The most recent example is Jaime Torres, who won his first career graded stakes victories and classic with last year’s Preakness winner, Seize the Grey.

It’s a mix of respect, nostalgia, and heartfelt wishes that truly reflects how much of a legendary figure and idol he was to everyone in the racing community.