Breeders’ Cup Issues Statement on Passing of D. Wayne Lukas

Along with the Thoroughbred racing community, the team at Breeders’ Cup Limited mourns the passing of Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas.

From the inaugural 1984 running of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, where he saddled three starters, to the 2024 edition, where he sent out his last Breeders’ Cup contender, Wayne set the bar with his constant pursuit of the pinnacle of our great sport.

At the time of his passing, he held the record for most Breeders’ Cup wins by a trainer with 20, an achievement matched in 2024 by Aidan O’Brien. For 14 years, from 1983 to 1997, he was the trainer with the most Breeders’ Cup earnings. His record stands at $22,760,520, with a 20-22-17 record from 169 starters.

Not only did Wayne leave his mark on the Breeders’ Cup and the sport of Thoroughbred racing with his innovative training approach, but his legacy continues through the many horsemen who came up under his astute guidance before finding tremendous success on their own. The dedication, discipline, passion, and insight with which he ran his operation will serve as an inspiration for many generations.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and entire team during this difficult time.

Breeders’ Cup Winners Trained by D. Wayne Lukas (Alphabetical Order): Boston Harbor (Juvenile, 1996), Capote (Juvenile, 1986), Cash Run (Juvenile Fillies, 1999), Cat Thief (Classic, 1999), Flanders (Juvenile Fillies, 1994), Folklore (Juvenile Fillies, 2005), Gulch (Sprint, 1988), Hightail (Juvenile Sprint, 2012), Is It True (Juvenile, 1988), Lady’s Secret (Distaff, 1986), Life’s Magic (Distaff, 1985), Open Mind (Juvenile Fillies, 1988), Orientate (Sprint, 2002), Sacahuista (Distaff, 1987), Spain (Distaff, 2000), Steinlen (GB) (Mile, 1989), Success Express (Juvenile, 1987), Take Charge Brandi (Juvenile Fillies, 2014), Timber Country (Juvenile, 1994), Twilight Ridge (Juvenile Fillies, 1985).