D. Wayne Lukas, one of the greatest horse trainers of all time, has died at age 89. He was a true titan of horse racing whose influence reached far beyond the track. Following his death, a touching tribute was held on the final day of the 2025 spring meet at Churchill Downs. Instead of the usual “Call to the Post,” the racetrack played the emotional and iconic song “My Old Kentucky Home” to honor Lukas.
But it wasn’t just the horse racing community that paid tribute. Kentucky men’s basketball coach Mark Pope also joined in the emotional farewell, calling Lukas a “legendary winner.”Mark Pope Honors D. Wayne Lukas After Legendary Trainer’s Death
Lukas, who passed away on June 28, 2025, helped shape the identity of Kentucky sports. His death came following complications from a severe MRSA blood infection. But before his final days, Lukas built a legacy that few could rival. With multiple Kentucky Derby victories and nearly 5,000 career wins, he forever changed the sport of horse racing.
Yet Lukas was more than just a fixture in Thoroughbred racing. Over a remarkable six-decade career, he captured an astonishing 15 Triple Crown races. His influence stretched across the entire Kentucky community, which now mourns the loss of one of its greatest treasures.
Kentucky men’s basketball coach Pope was among many who paid tribute to the legendary trainer. In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Pope wrote, “I’m sorry to hear about the passing of D. Wayne Lukas. He was a legendary winner and was always good to me! My thoughts are with his family and friends.”In his late 80s, Lukas remained a dominant force in horse racing. Even in his final days, he made his mark once again. Last year, he became the oldest trainer in history to win a Triple Crown race when Seize the Grey captured the Preakness Stakes.
During his final days, Lukas chose to remain at home in Kentucky. His family released a statement saying, “His final days were spent at home in Kentucky, where he chose peace, family and faith. As we grieve at his passing, we find peace knowing he is now reunited with his beloved son, Jeff, whose memory he carried in his heart always.”
The entire Kentucky community, including basketball, has lost a true icon of the sport. He will be missed forever.
