Lukas's Legacy Lives On at Kentucky Derby

0:00On April 30th, this year's Kentucky Derby marks the first one without legendary trainer D. Wayne Lucas, who passed away recently after shaping the sport for decades. He won the race four times and saddled 51 horses in it from 1981 through last year, second only to Todd Pletcher and starts. Lucas built a massive coaching tree in horse racing, influencing top trainers like Pletcher, who has the favorite renegade this time around, and Bob. Baffer, a two-time triple crown winner. Pletcher started with Lucas back in 1989, and now his own assistance carried that legacy forward. Everyone in the paddock feels the shift, with friends and former riders missing his endless energy and glass half full outlook. Jockey's like Jerry Bailey, who won a Derby aboard Lucas' grindstone in 1996, remember how he turned even bad races into motivation, making you believe in the next big thing. Even into his late 80s, Lucas was out early, riding his pony and plotting for the Derby

1:00and Oaks. His barn spotted Churchill down, still bears the Lucas gap sign, now used by another trainer he inspired, Mike Maker. The Derby won't feel the same without him spotting talent, young and chasing those triple crowned dreams that pull owners into the game. His positive fire lit up the whole industry. We've been listening to Global News today, AI-powered Global Coverage.