Sport of kings loses legendary coach D. Wayne Lukas after his retirement
LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Amid a report that Corridor of Fame coach, D. Wayne Lukas was hospitalized and wouldn’t return to coaching, NBC Sports activities reporter Kenny Rice reacted to the information.
“It’s not surprising. He had some well being points, however nonetheless it makes you concentrate on what you used to have, the moments and all of that, which are very particular,” Rice stated from his Lexington dwelling in the future after Lukas’ household introduced his retirement from horse racing efficient instantly.
Lukas is battling some critical well being situations, and he declined an aggressive type of remedy, selecting to go dwelling to spend his remaining time with household. Lukas gained 15 Triple Crown races, and a Breeders’ Cup Basic, however for Rice, Lukas’ profession and legacy are a lot greater than wins.
“Wayne opened it (the game) up for folks,” Rice started to elucidate. “It wasn’t only a blueblood sport anymore. For those who personal a beer distributorship, come on in. For those who personal a Nationwide Soccer League workforce, come on in. You didn’t should be born into horse racing,” Rice stated.
“He went after the Triple Crown races greater than anyone else. No person else sought them like he did. It was crucial for him to go to the massive moments and due to that he is one of many causes I feel the Kentucky Derby began taking off,” Rice stated. “Everybody all the time requested, ‘what number of horses is D. Wayne operating within the Derby,’” he added.
Rice first met Lukas 45 years in the past when he was a younger tv broadcaster in Lexington, who, admittedly, didn’t know a lot about horse racing, nor did he suppose it will change into a focus of his personal profession.
“I simply began speaking to him at Keeneland,” Rice stated. “And the outdated hardboots weren’t receptive to this child coming round who did not know what he was speaking about, they only weren’t. However one man was.”
Rice was speaking about D. Wayne Lukas. That bond they developed started in 1980.
“My dad is 96, he all the time asks about my dad, they’d see one another on the town at Malone’s and child each other about how good they appear. That’s what I cherish about being round Wayne Lukas and having the friendship we’ve had,” Rice stated.