LOUISVILLE, Ky. (April 30, 2017) – D. Wayne Lukas announced today his personal Thoroughbred racing collection from his career in the industry will go to the Museum where it will live from this point forward. The extensive collection includes (4) Kentucky Derby and (4) Kentucky Oaks trophies, Breeders’ Cup trophies, painting of Winning Colors at Keenland by Peter Curling, bronze sculpture of Serena’s Song by artist Nina Kaiser, multiple Eclipse awards, photos from his quarter horse and Thoroughbred training career, and much more.
The announcement was made during a press conference at Fan Fest Day at the Kentucky Derby Museum, a day-long celebration of Thoroughbred racing, past and present honoring the incredible career of D. Wayne Lukas.
Following the announcement, Lukas answered questions about the acquisition, calling it a win-win for everyone involved. “When I was considering a permanent home for my collection, the Museum was an ideal fit to protect and showcase my legacy for many years to come,” Lukas said.
Patrick Armstrong, Kentucky Derby Museum President, echoed the same sentiment, “being the true keeper of the history of the Kentucky Derby, we are always striving to capture and showcase the stories of those connected, whether through oral histories or artifacts themselves. We are very excited to house and display the legacy of such an important figure in the racing industry and really cannot express in words how much it means to the have the Lukas collection at the Kentucky Derby Museum.”
Lukas has conditioned more champions than any other trainer in the modern era. He is the Breeders Cup all-time leading trainer in purse money won. He has won a record (14) Triple Crown races including (4) Kentucky Derby wins, (6) Preakness wins, and (4) Belmont victories. He has received (4) Eclipse awards for Outstanding Trainer and was elected to the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame in 1999. Known as "The Coach," Lukas has groomed many top trainers, including Todd Pletcher, Kiaran McLaughlin, Randy Bradshaw, Mark Hennig, George Weaver and Dallas Stewart.
His support of the Kentucky Derby Museum has been integral since inception including donation of time and items. Lukas played a large role in the development of It’s My Derby, a fundraising concept which raised over $160,000 for the Museum and was instrumental in establishing numerous industry relationships. Along with Gary Stevens, they donated the Garland of Roses of Winning Colors. And, of course his prominent appearance in the Museum’s signature 360⁰ movie exhibit The Greatest Race! Wayne’s passion has long been embedded in the Museum, and it will now continue for all time.
The priceless collection will be housed at the Museum by the close of summer with plans for a permanent installation in the future.
For more information about the Kentucky Derby Museum, visit DerbyMuseum.org.
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About Kentucky Derby Museum (DerbyMuseum.org) Kentucky Derby Museum, a 501(C)(3) non-profit public charity organization in Louisville, Kentucky has a commitment to ENGAGE, EDUCATE and EXCITE everyone about the extraordinary experience that is the KENTUCKY DERBY.