Top 10 Greatest Horses Trained by D. Wayne Lukas: Legends of “The Coach”
D. Wayne Lukas, affectionately known as “The Coach,” is a name synonymous with Thoroughbred racing excellence. Over a career spanning six decades, Lukas redefined the sport with his innovative strategies, keen eye for equine talent, and unrelenting drive to win. From his early days training Quarter Horses to becoming a Hall of Fame Thoroughbred trainer, Lukas amassed a staggering 4,967 victories, 15 Triple Crown wins, and a record 20 Breeders’ Cup triumphs. His horses earned over $300 million, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s most influential figures. In this tribute, we count down the top 10 greatest horses trained by Lukas, each a testament to his brilliance, resilience, and bold vision. These equine legends not only dominated racetracks but also captured the hearts of fans worldwide.
10. Althea
Althea burst onto the scene in the early 1980s, showcasing Lukas’s ability to nurture precocious talent. As a two-year-old filly, she won the 1983 Hollywood Starlet Stakes and later claimed the Arkansas Derby against colts, a bold move that epitomized Lukas’s fearless approach. Her versatility and speed made her a standout, earning her an Eclipse Award as Champion Two-Year-Old Filly. Althea’s success signaled the arrival of Lukas as a transformative force in Thoroughbred racing.
9. Azeri
Named after the wife of a prominent owner, Azeri was a powerhouse in the early 2000s. Trained by Lukas during her formative years, she won the 2002 Breeders’ Cup Distaff and secured the Eclipse Award for Champion Older Female. Her commanding presence and relentless drive on the track reflected Lukas’s ability to maximize a horse’s potential. Azeri’s 11 Grade 1 victories remain a hallmark of Lukas’s training prowess, proving his knack for developing champions across eras.
8. Capote
Capote’s explosive juvenile campaign in 1986 put Lukas’s name in the spotlight. The colt won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, earning the Eclipse Award for Champion Two-Year-Old Colt. His blazing speed and tenacity mirrored Lukas’s own intensity. “Capote was a horse that demanded you pay attention,” Lukas once said, recalling the colt’s commanding performances. Capote’s success underscored Lukas’s ability to identify and polish young talent into future stars.
7. Serena’s Song
Serena’s Song was a trailblazer, competing against both fillies and colts with remarkable success. Trained by Lukas in the mid-1990s, she won nine Grade 1 races, including the 1995 Haskell Invitational against males. Her Eclipse Award as Champion Three-Year-Old Filly cemented her status as a fan favorite. Lukas praised her heart, saying, “Serena’s Song never backed down from a challenge, and that’s what made her special.” Her versatility and grit embodied the Lukas training philosophy.
6. Criminal Type
In 1990, Criminal Type emerged as a gritty competitor, winning the Eclipse Award for Horse of the Year. His victories in the Hollywood Gold Cup and Pimlico Special showcased his toughness and stamina. Lukas’s strategic decision to race him against top competition paid off, as Criminal Type outdueled rivals with relentless determination. “He was a warrior who thrived under pressure,” Lukas noted, reflecting on the colt’s ability to rise to the occasion in high-stakes races.
5. Timber Country
Timber Country played a pivotal role in Lukas’s historic 1995 Triple Crown sweep. The colt’s victory in the Preakness Stakes complemented stablemate Thunder Gulch’s wins in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, making Lukas the first trainer to sweep the Triple Crown races with two different horses in one season. Timber Country’s Eclipse Award as Champion Two-Year-Old Colt highlighted his early brilliance. His triumphs underscored Lukas’s ability to manage multiple stars simultaneously.
4. Tabasco Cat
Tabasco Cat’s story is one of triumph tinged with tragedy. In 1994, he won the Preakness and Belmont Stakes, showcasing Lukas’s skill in preparing horses for the grueling Triple Crown trail. However, his legacy is also tied to a devastating incident when he broke free and injured Lukas’s son, Jeff, causing permanent brain damage. Despite the emotional weight, Lukas guided Tabasco Cat to greatness, saying, “He was a horse of incredible heart, and he carried us through tough times.”
3. Thunder Gulch
Thunder Gulch was a cornerstone of Lukas’s 1995 Triple Crown dominance. His victories in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes showcased his staying power and adaptability. Earning the Eclipse Award as Champion Three-Year-Old Colt, Thunder Gulch thrived under Lukas’s meticulous training. “Thunder Gulch had a will to win that you can’t teach,” Lukas recalled. His ability to compete on racing’s biggest stages solidified his place among Lukas’s greatest champions.
2. Winning Colors
In 1988, Winning Colors made history as only the third filly to win the Kentucky Derby, giving Lukas his first triumph in the Run for the Roses. Her front-running style and fearless attitude captivated fans, earning her the Eclipse Award as Champion Three-Year-Old Filly. Lukas described her as “a filly with the heart of a lion,” emphasizing her ability to outrun the boys. Winning Colors’ Derby victory remains one of the defining moments of Lukas’s career.
1. Lady’s Secret
Topping the list is Lady’s Secret, the iron mare who dominated in 1986, earning the Eclipse Award for Horse of the Year. Her 11 Grade 1 wins, including the Breeders’ Cup Distaff and Whitney Handicap against males, showcased her extraordinary talent. “Lady’s Secret was the best I ever trained,” Lukas said, a sentiment echoed by her inclusion in the Racing Hall of Fame. Her relentless consistency and versatility made her a true legend, embodying Lukas’s vision of equine excellence.
The Legacy of “The Coach”
Lukas’s impact on Thoroughbred racing extends far beyond these 10 horses. His innovative approach—running multiple stables across the country, flying horses to major races, and mentoring future trainers like Todd Pletcher and Kiaran McLaughlin—revolutionized the sport. Known for his corporate-style operation and relentless work ethic, Lukas earned the nickname “D. Wayne off the plane” for his ability to win wherever he went. His 15 Triple Crown wins, second only to Bob Baffert, and 20 Breeders’ Cup victories set a standard few can match.
Despite controversies, including criticism for high attrition rates, Lukas remained a polarizing yet respected figure. His charisma, often displayed in a white Stetson and aviator sunglasses, made him a fan favorite. “Wayne is one of the greatest competitors in Thoroughbred racing history,” said Mike Anderson, president of Churchill Downs Racetrack. “He transcended the sport and took it to new levels.” Even in his late 80s, Lukas continued to defy expectations, winning the 2024 Preakness with Seize the Grey at age 88, becoming the oldest trainer to claim a Triple Crown race.
Lukas’s personal life, marked by five marriages and the tragic injury of his son Jeff, added complexity to his legacy. Yet his passion for horses never wavered. “The whole secret of this game is being able to read the horse,” Lukas said before his final Preakness in 2024. His ability to understand and develop equine talent created a roster of champions that continues to inspire.
Why These Horses Matter
The horses on this list are more than just winners; they are symbols of Lukas’s audacious vision. From Althea’s precocity to Lady’s Secret’s dominance, each horse reflects a facet of “The Coach’s” genius. Their stories resonate with fans, reminding us of the thrill of the racetrack and the enduring bond between trainer and horse. Whether you’re a seasoned racing enthusiast or a newcomer, these equine legends invite you to explore the sport’s rich history.
As we celebrate Lukas’s contributions, his influence lives on through the trainers he mentored and the fans he inspired. His final victory with Tour Player at Churchill Downs on June 12, 2025, marked the end of an era, but the legacy of “The Coach” and his greatest horses will gallop on forever. Which of these champions is your favorite? Share your thoughts and join the conversation about the enduring impact of D. Wayne Lukas.
