FILE - Trainer D. Wayne Lukas talks to media after arriving at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, with Preakness Stakes entrant American Promise, May 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough, File)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — D. Wayne Lukas, a Hall of Fame horse trainer who won 15 Triple Crown races, has died. He was 89.
Lukas' family said he died at his home Saturday night.
Lukas had been hospitalized with a severe MRSA blood infection that caused significant damage to his heart and digestive system and worsened pre-existing chronic conditions.
Of his 15 Triple Crown race victories, Lukas won the Kentucky Derby four times. Only good friend Bob Baffert had more Triple Crown victories.
The beloved, old-school trainer known affectionately as “Coach” was still getting on the pony himself in the morning for workouts even with his 90th birthday approaching.
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AP horse racing: https://apnews.com/hub/horse-racing
FILE - Trainer D. Wayne Lukas watches a workout at Churchill Downs May 1, 2025, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)
