Much has been written about his life of achievements. An excellent piece celebrating his life was written by BloodHorse editor Frank Angst (Industry-shaping rider Lukas dies at 89 – BloodHorse).
Besides the trophies and achievements, there will always be more to remember. One of ‘the coach’s’ talents was his ability to speak ‘in perfect sound bites’. Every Triple Crown race with a Lukas entry improved immediately due to the coach’s opinion. If he has a Kentucky derby Entry, his barn at Churchill Downs became the place to visit daily.
What if the coach and Bob Baffert were both at the Preakness Stakes Alibi breakfast? Then there was only room for standing, as everyone knew they were in for a real treat, as the ‘boys’ chatted back and forth with a twinkle in their eye.
Luke had his rituals and his peaceful time. He owned the mornings at the track. Media people had to get there asked to get a hold of him if they wanted to get a quote quickly. He was like clockwork mounting one of his precious ponies as he went out to the track long before the sun rose to watch his horses train. He was not a fair-weather flower. There are many photos of him alone in his raincoat on an empty track under the lights in the pouring rain.
Lukas was an excellent ambassador for horse racing. He delighted fans in 2017 when he was a guest speaker at the Kentucky Derby Museum’s Fan Fest Day. He showed up in his traditional jeans, sunglasses and black cowboy hat. Like a seasoned professional, he deftly began telling stories to the assembled fans in the stands. He shared his perspectives on the horses and people in his life. Louisville resident Jan Landeau said Lukas was “very charming, open and just a delight.”
With a background in coaching, Wisconsin native Lukas was influenced by Green Bay Packers legend Vince Lombardi and the great Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz. In his 2018 speech at the Jockey Club’s annual awards lunch, he said: “I really believe that getting where you want to go is a real decision about the choices you make every day. Our successes motivate us, but our failures teach us. I think it’s really important not to be afraid of losing. Don’t be afraid of how many buckets of milk you spill. Just don’t lose the cow!”
Lukas added: “The racehorse business is really a game where you don’t have to be afraid of losing, but I think there is a way to deal with it and that is your attitude. It is the most important decision you make every day. Make it early and make the right decision.”
It is often said that the first holidays after the loss of someone special are the most difficult. The holidays seem to increase the year’s losses. But for racing fans, the coming year will hold many moments of remembrance and personal sorrow. There will be the sadness of the first spring when we don’t see Lukas on the track in the early morning. Fans and die-hard race trackers will look at “Lukas” gap and remember seeing him on his pony. His humor and presence will be missed at press conferences. Many will mention him at Churchill Downs and other tracks where his presence will continue to be felt and missed in the coming year.
It’s hard to lose an icon, especially one who has been a force in horse racing for decades. Lukas influenced thousands of people through his dedication, drive and determination.
He was an active supporter of the Kentucky Derby Museum. He gave them his personal thoroughbred collection, including four Kentucky Derby rings and trophies, his Breeders’ Cup trophies, his Eclipse awards for Outstanding Trainer and many more personal trophies and mementos from his successful career. He said: “When I was considering a permanent home for my collection, the (Derby) Museum was the ideal place to protect and display my legacy for many years to come.”
The museum’s Lukas exhibit fills the room with his presence and where he remains larger than life. It contains some of his 1,200 trophies and awards. It is a wonderful tribute to a man who gave so much to horse racing during a long and fascinating career.
Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens recalled once convincing museum staff to let Lukas and himself into the Great Hall to watch the museum’s showcase film, “The Greatest Race.” As the music swelled and the horses charged to the finish line in surround sound, Lukas said, “That’s what we’re here for! That’s what it’s all about!”
One of Lukas’ most cherished traditions on the track was selecting a young child to come to the winner’s circle when he won. He said: “You wouldn’t believe the effect it has on these young children.” He recalled telling a young man, “Don’t bet on the horses. Buy books!”, and years later the young man (who became a lawyer) returned to the racetrack to thank him.
Although we will miss D. Wayne Lukas in the coming year, it is good to know that there are many memories of him that will circulate for years to come. People will cherish items purchased from his shed at auction. People will be telling stories for years to come. It’s only fitting that a memory of Coach ends with him getting the last word.
“When all the fuss is over and they pat you on the back and the music dies down and you have the toast with the governor. You go to the press conference and all the accolades are thrown out and all that. I think the most important thing is that when you go to your room in the quiet that night and you put the championship ring on the dresser, you know that the trophy is in its place on the mantle. You quietly ask yourself, ‘Have I made a difference?’ That is the most important thing for me. “Have I made a difference somewhere in someone’s life?” Live every day as if it is your last and one day you will be right.”
In the coming year, his presence will be felt and he will be missed.
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