D.Wayne Lucas R.I.P.....

Paid his dues with quarterhorses.

Didn’t they name Frankel after him
Or something like that ?

They named Frankel after Bobby Frankel RIP who trained Juddmonte's horses in America.

Aidan O'Brien praised D Wayne Lukas as being "second to none as a trainer" after the legendary US handler died on Saturday at the age of 89.

Lukas, known as ‘Coach’ after starting his career as a high school basketball coach before moving into racing where he helped shape the professional careers of numerous figures, was praised for helping to reshape the landscape of US racing, which he dominated in the 1980s and 90s.

A US Hall of Fame inductee in thoroughbred and quarter horseracing, Lukas won 15 Classics, including the Kentucky Derby four times, and 20 races at the Breeders’ Cup.

His Breeders' Cup record was equalled last year by O'Brien, who said on Monday: "He was a very special man, an incredible ambassador for the sport. What he did for racing in America is incalculable with all his Breeders’ Cup and Triple Crown wins.

"He was second to none as a trainer and he was an example to trainers all over the world with the way he did things with his people, and his horses. He will be greatly missed."

In 2013, Lukas broke the record for the most Triple Crown race wins when Oxbow became his 14th winner, a mark that has since been passed by Bob Baffert, who has 17 victories in total.

In a post on X, Baffert said: “Wayne was a game changer, transforming horseracing for the better. He made it so the horse's bloodlines were more important than the owner's.

“The horses were everything to Wayne. They were his life. From the way he worked them, how he cared for them, and how he maintained his shed row as meticulously as he did his horses. No detail was too small. Behind his famous shades, he was a tremendous horseman, probably the greatest who ever lived.

“One of the things that made Wayne so special was the steadfast love and support of his wife, Laurie, an excellent horsewoman in her own right, and his grandchildren.

“Wayne impacted the lives of so many people in racing and raised the bar for all of us. He was the epitome of excellence, and I'll miss him every day for the rest of my life. I hope somewhere along the way, I made him proud.”

Lukas had what proved to be his final winner at Churchill Downs on June 12. Last week, the trainer's family announced he had declined aggressive treatment for MRSA and was returning home to spend his remaining time with them. His horses were transferred to his veteran assistant, Englishman Sebastian 'Bas' Nicholl.

A statement from the Lukas family on Sunday said: "It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of legendary Hall of Fame trainer D Wayne Lukas.

"Wayne dedicated his life to horseracing – not only through his unmatched success on the track, but through his impact on the people within it. He shaped generations of horsemen and horsewomen, and helped grow the sport with his passion, vision and leadership.

"Whether he was touting a promising two-year-old or quietly offering advice before a big race, Wayne brought heart, grace and grit to every part of the game.

"At this time, we ask you to please join us in a moment of silence to honour the memory of D Wayne Lukas."