Oaklawn Mourns the Loss of Hall of Fame Trainer D. Wayne Lukas

By Chris Ho —-

Oaklawn Mourns the Loss of Hall of Fame Trainer D. Wayne Lukas

Monday, June 30, 2025

HOT SPRINGS, AR – Oaklawn Jockey Club joins the racing world in mourning the passing of Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, a legend whose contributions to the sport—and to Oaklawn—spanned more than four decades.

Lukas passed away peacefully at the age of 89, surrounded by his loved ones.

He won with his first starter at Oaklawn – Miss Huntington in the 1983 Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) – and with his last – Princess Aliyah in the 2025 Valley of the Vapors Stakes.

One of the most iconic and decorated figures in Thoroughbred racing history, Lukas was a transformative force in the sport. His legacy is etched in records, in memories, and in the lives of countless horsemen and fans. A former champion Quarter Horse trainer, Lukas shifted to Thoroughbreds in the late 1970s and quickly ascended to the pinnacle of the industry, winning his first of 15 Triple Crown races with Codex in the 1980 Preakness Stakes.

He earned his 15th and final Triple Crown win in 2024 with Seize the Grey in the Preakness — a colt whose 3-year-old campaign began with a win at Oaklawn, a track Lukas cherished.

“Wayne Lukas was more than a Hall of Fame trainer — he was a cornerstone of our racing program,” said Louis Cella, President of Oaklawn. “His impact here was immediate and everlasting. He helped shape what Oaklawn is today and was a mentor to so many in our industry. We are heartbroken.”

Over his remarkable career, Lukas amassed a record-tying 20 Breeders’ Cup victories and more than $300 million in purse earnings, ranking him among the sport’s all-time greats. He trained three Horses of the Year — Lady’s Secret, Criminal Type, and Charismatic — and earned four Eclipse Awards as Outstanding Trainer, plus the Eclipse Award of Merit for lifetime achievement. He was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1999.

Oaklawn was the site of some of Lukas’ most memorable triumphs. His first starter here, Miss Huntington, won the 1983 Apple Blossom Handicap (G1). A year later, he sent out champion Althea to become the only filly to win the Arkansas Derby (G1) in a dazzling, record-tying performance. He dominated the Honeybee Stakes with seven wins — including the first four runnings — and won the Oaklawn Handicap a record four times.

Many of his champions — Lady’s Secret, Criminal Type, Will Take Charge — left their mark on the Hot Springs oval. But Lukas’ influence went far beyond trophies and titles. He helped elevate Oaklawn’s national reputation and was a constant, guiding presence on the backstretch and in the grandstand, where he became known for inviting young racing fans to join him in the winner’s circle following victories.

“Oaklawn extends its deepest condolences to the Lukas family, his many friends and colleagues, and to the countless horsemen who found inspiration, mentorship, and opportunity through him.” Cella said. “His legacy will live on in every starting gate, in every young trainer chasing a dream, and in the hearts of all of his thousands of fans in Arkansas.”