No one is more responsible for improving the image and complexion of modern thoroughbred racing than former Texas resident D. Wayne Lukas.

Lukas took many of his skills that he honed as a basketball coach and applied them in his approach to training equine athletes.  After living in Laredo and El Paso, Texas for many years, Lukas settled in California in 1972 and began training Quarter Horses before making the switch to thoroughbreds in 1978.  He has now become the most successful trainer in the history of the Breeder’s Cup World Thoroughbred Championships, with 17 wins from 134 starts and earning of $18,128,000. Lukas has trained a record 21 Eclipse Award Champions, including three that were Horse of the Year.  He has also saddled the winners of more than 550 graded stakes, nearly 1,000 total stakes and he has won more than 4,000 races from over 22,000 starts.

Over the years, D. Wayne Lukas never lost his love for Texas and Texas horse racing.  Mr. Lukas has continually donated his time, talents and money to many of our efforts to improve our industry here in the Lone Star State.  Most recently, he was asked to visit with the members of the Texas Thoroughbred Association at their annual meeting.  In typical fashion, Mr. Lukas was instrumental in raising thousands of dollars to support the TTA education fund.  As the keynote speaker that evening he gave a call to legislative action that drew a standing ovation from the entire audience.  On many occasions he has answered the requests from other Texans to host politicians at high profile racing events around the country.

Mr. Lukas’ tireless dedication to the sport of horse racing and state of Texas makes him a perfect candidate for induction into the Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame.

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