D. Wayne Lukas’ horses have been transferred to assistant trainer Sebastian “Bas” Nicholl, who has been part of Lukas’ team since 2002.

Hall of Fame horse trainer D. Wayne Lukas is gravely ill and has retired immediately. The Lukas family issued a statement Sunday that said the 89-year-old had been hospitalized with a severe infection and declined to go through the "aggressive treatment plan" doctors in Louisville, Ky., had outlined.

Trainer D. Wayne Lukas watches his horses train in the morning at Churchill Downs. Photo by Pat McDonogh. April 22, 2025 - -Text 5/1/99 Photo by James H. Wallace - Traine D. Wayne Lukas holds up winning trophy four fingers in winners circle.