On the finish of the 12 months, it is not uncommon to recollect those that have handed away. This 12 months has been a tough 12 months for the horse racing world with the passing of legendary Corridor of Fame coach D. Wayne Lucas (September 2, 1935 – June 28, 2025). He was iconic in so many facets of horse racing and was such a personality who lived unapologetically in such fashion.
A lot has been written about his lifetime achievements. A wonderful article celebrating his life was written by BloodHorse editor Frank Angst (Lukas, the industry-defining horseman dies at 89 – BloodHorse).
There’s all the time extra to recollect than trophies and achievements. Considered one of “Coach’s” skills was his capacity to talk “in excellent tone.” Each Triple Crown race that Lucas ran was a direct enchancment with the enter of his coach. If he was operating within the Kentucky Derby, his barn at Churchill Downs could be of A spot you go to daily.
What if Coach and Bob Baffert had attended the Preakness Stakes Alibi Breakfast? Afterward, it was standing room solely, as everybody knew they had been in for an actual deal with because the “boys” flashed their eyes and joked round.
Lucas had rituals and peaceable moments. He dominated the mornings on the observe. Media personnel needed to go there. early Simply to get him in the event that they wish to get a fast quote. He heads to the racetrack lengthy earlier than the solar rises to look at the horses practice, and like clockwork he is climbing atop his treasured pony. He was by no means a fair-weather flower. There are numerous photographs of me sliding down alone below the lights in an empty truck within the pouring rain.
Lucas was a fantastic ambassador for horse racing. In 2017, he was a visitor speaker on the Kentucky Derby Museum’s Fan Fest Day, a lot to the delight of followers. He confirmed up carrying conventional blue denims, sun shades and a black cowboy hat. Like a seasoned professional, he deftly started telling the story to the followers gathered within the grandstands. He shared his perspective on horses and other people in life. Louisville resident Jan Landau stated Lucas was “very charming, open and only a actually enjoyable individual.”
A Wisconsin native with a training background, Lucas was influenced by Inexperienced Bay Packers legend Vince Lombardi and Notre Dame coach nice Lou Holtz. In his 2018 speech on the Jockey Membership’s annual awards luncheon, he stated, “I really imagine that getting the place you wish to go requires actual willpower primarily based on day by day selections. Success motivates us, however failure educates us. I feel it is essential to not be afraid of dropping. Do not be afraid irrespective of what number of buckets of milk you spill. Simply do not lose the cow!”
Lucas added: “The racehorse enterprise is a recreation the place you actually should not be afraid to lose. However I feel there is a solution to cope with it and that is your angle. It is a very powerful resolution you make daily. Make it early and make the precise resolution.”
It’s usually stated that the primary vacation season after the dying of a cherished one is probably the most tough. Holidays appear to compound the losses gained over the 12 months. However for race followers, subsequent 12 months will deliver many reminiscences and moments of non-public disappointment. There may also be disappointment, like the primary spring once I could not see Lucas on the course early within the morning. Followers and veteran horse racers will discover the hole in “Lucas” and keep in mind the picture of Lucas driving a pony. His wit and presence will likely be missed at press conferences. Many will point out him at Churchill Downs and different tracks, and his presence will nonetheless be felt and missed all through the following 12 months.
It is laborious to lose an icon, particularly one which has been an essential a part of horse racing for many years. Lucas impressed 1000’s of individuals by means of his dedication, drive, and willpower.
He was an energetic supporter of the Kentucky Derby Museum. He gifted them along with his private Thoroughbred assortment, which included 4 Kentucky Derby rings and trophies, a Breeders’ Cup trophy, an Eclipse Award for Excellent Coach, and plenty of different private trophies and memorabilia from profitable careers. He stated: “Once I was contemplating a everlasting dwelling for my assortment, the (Derby) Museum was the perfect place to guard and show my heritage for a few years to come back.”
The museum’s Lucas exhibit fills the room along with his presence, and he stays a larger-than-life presence. A few of his 1,200 trophies and awards are featured right here. It is a stunning tribute to a person who made an enormous contribution to horse racing all through his lengthy and interesting profession.
Corridor of Fame jockey Gary Stevens recalled convincing museum workers to let Lucas and himself into the Nice Corridor to look at the museum’s showcase movie, “The Biggest Race.” Because the music swells in encompass sound and the horses gallop towards the end line, Lucas says, “Now that is what we’re right here for! That is what it is all about!”
Considered one of Lucas’ most cherished traditions on the observe was selecting a younger baby to come back to the winner’s circle when he gained. “You wouldn’t imagine the impression this has on these younger youngsters,” he stated. He remembers telling a younger man, “Do not guess on horses. Purchase books!” and years later, the younger man (who turned a lawyer) returned to the racetrack to thank him.
Though D. Wayne Lucas will likely be gone subsequent 12 months, it is good to know that reminiscences of him will proceed to flow into for years to come back. Individuals will treasure objects bought at public sale from his barn. Individuals will proceed to inform tales for years to come back. It is solely pure {that a} coach’s memorial service ends with him saying his final phrases.
“All of the fanfare is over, you get a pat on the again, the music goes out and also you toast with the governor. You go to the press convention and all of the reward goes away. Most significantly, that night time, you go to your quiet room and put in your championship ring. Once you put it on the dresser, you see the trophy as a replacement on the mantle and also you silently ask your self, “May I’ve made a distinction?” That is a very powerful factor to me. “Did I make a distinction in somebody’s life?” Stay every day as if it had been your final, and someday you’ll be proper. ”
His presence will likely be felt and missed all through this coming 12 months.
