(Rider Francisco Arrieta celebrates Mystik Dan’s victory in the Lukas Classic / Photos by Holly M. Smith)

Editor’s Note:

For the first time since the inauguration of the Lukas Classic — named in honor of the legendary, Hall of Fame trainer — there was a giant hole. A giant absence. A giant vacancy. Instead of D. Wayne Lukas being in the winner’s circle and holding court with all of the various interests, with both laughs and stories, there were just memories and tears and a celebration of both the life and times of the recently deceased mastermind of horsemanship.

Laurie Lukas was there, standing in for her husband and giving out both thanksgiving, greetings, and good vibes.

The fans were there, standing up against the rail and cheering both horse and man.

The sun was there to sunsplash the scene.

And, in celebration of D. Wayne Lukas, there was one hell of a horse race — won by Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan, who came with a final rush along the rail, just as he did in the Derby victory.

Here’s a few looks of the day through the eyes and lens of our great friend — Holly M. Smith:

Laurie Lukas

Mystik Dan:

The riders:

The horse:

Standoutsensation:

The Race:

New rider Franciso Arrieta:

Noah’s Pride: 

Patch Adams:

Backside Front & Center:

Laurie Lukas and Francisco Arrieta & Mystik Dan:

Just Out Riding: 

Disarm:

Trainer Brad Cox:

Disarm:

Rattle N Roll: 

Lukas Classic & Mystik Dan:

Most Wanted: 

Tumbaruma: 

Tumbaruma: 

Patch Adams:

Waiting for the Day Ahead…

On Time Girl: 

Fionn: 

Rattle N Roll: 

Taken by the Wind:

Thorpedo Anna: