(D. Wayne Lukas — the man and his horse / All Photos by Holly M. Smith)

Editor’s Note:

Hall of Fame Trainer D. Wayne Lukas was a fixture at Churchill Downs and along the backside of the famed track throughout much, most of his later years. Seldom did he ever miss a day where he would climb on his pony and make his way to the mouth of the 1-mile chute and sit and watch his horses train.

Most of the time, he was there long before the light would shine from the sun above. Most of the time, he was there before anyone else. All of the time, he was there before anyone either noticed or paid much attention.

Such was the life of the man, who changed the Thoroughbred training game probably more than anyone else in recent history. Such was his style.

Here’s a look at the man, through the years and through the eyes of our great friend — Holly M. Smith: