The Lukas Legend Continues

re: The Lukas Legend Continues

Coldfacts — Thu, 05 Sep 2013 14:39:34 GMT

trackjack,

I am a big fan of Tiznow as well. However, I have concerns regarding the long term soundness of his progencies.

Gemologist was also a big strong Tinzow colt that won the Wood. He broke down in the Derby and flopped badly on his return in the Haskell and was subsequently retired.

Fury Capcori was another big, fast and promising Tiznow colt that had issues after the Cash Call Futurity. He recently returned and has been doing well.

Mr. Lukas has a tendency to over race his youngsters and I hope this one will be an exception as it appears he did not have the benefits of his dam as she died 11 days after his foaling.

re: The Lukas Legend Continues

trackjack — Mon, 02 Sep 2013 21:29:01 GMT

The Legend Continues:

Happy Birthday D. Wayne!

Congratulations on your Hopeful win with Strong Mandate. A Tiznow - Clear Mandate by Deputy Minister, this guy is a big Tiznow, stalking style, relentless, wet/fast colt who wants more. Space his races Wayne, give him time, keep him healthy. Tiz About Time we have a Tiznow wearing roses.

re: The Lukas Legend Continues

Fran Loszynski — Sun, 01 Sep 2013 14:58:37 GMT

If I ever meet Mr. Lukas in person the one thing I will say to him is "Thank you for loving Dublin A fleet Alex's son. You gave us a son of Alex in the Kentucky Derby. Steve , I cried that day when Smarty Jones son and Alex's son strut side by side in the Kentucky Derby. Mr. Lukas. Thank you for recognizing an awesome racehorse Dublin. To me this will be a part of your legacy " the first of Alex's sons in The Kentucky Derby. God Bless You.

re: The Lukas Legend Continues

Jean in Chicago — Fri, 30 Aug 2013 20:16:17 GMT

Ted from LA-I'm still a long way from 94 so I guess I better begin retraining in eyelash batting. Oh, and go back to wearing low cut tops.

My friend Tim once got back stage at a concert by walking up to the security guard and announcing "I'm with Tim". He was waved through. Maybe its attitude and body language.

Don't forget to smuggle those pints to Dr. D.

re: The Lukas Legend Continues

Ted from LA — Fri, 30 Aug 2013 05:09:09 GMT

Jean in Chicago and Trackjack, aside from my lover Dr. D, you're two of my favorite people. Jean, if you're 94 years old, and know how to bat your eyes, you'll sit wherever you wish. Trackjack, I've been to over two decades of Derbies in a row... I have not been to the Travers, which is not good. Do you all know that Dr. D. is going to Chennai to find his inner hairy man? I can't wait to hear how it goes.

re: The Lukas Legend Continues

Alex'sBigFan — Fri, 30 Aug 2013 03:48:22 GMT

Nice article on Mr. Lukas, Steve. Congratulations to him on Will Take Charge's Travers win. Mr. Lukas sounds like a man for all seasons, a man's man, classy and knowledgeable. A man after my own heart who likes the finer things in life and the best of everything. Now, where can I clone him and get a nice husband like that!!!!!!!!!!!

Dr. D.,

Have a nice vacation or sabbatical. Don't leave us for too long you are a crucial part of the Haskinites and you will be missed.

re: The Lukas Legend Continues

Bill Two — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 17:25:01 GMT

Great story about a man who has experienced the highest highs and some of the lowest lows a person can. Lukas is really hard to handicap - a lot of his horses win when least expected- and one in particular that comes to mind in Commendable in the Belmont. To this day I wouldn't bet that horse with your money. He certainly does have a way with animals. Another thing is he's been the subject of more hearsay evidence than just anyone you can think of. I think a lot of it is just plain jealously because I don't ever remember him being charged with any serious drug offenses or anything else. Love him or hate him he is undeniably one of the greats.

re: The Lukas Legend Continues

TerriZ — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 13:29:33 GMT

ksweatman9 and Coldfacts, history is meant to be made. One never knows.

However, Z13, has that look of eagles in his eye shared by Secretariat and Smarty Jones.

I am not an expert on conformation, horse racing or pedigree by any means. However, I do get a certain feeling about horses who might have some talent.

And I have been lucky enough to get that stare by Awesome Feather that went right through me in the paddock at Calder.

We shall see.

re: The Lukas Legend Continues

TerriZ — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 13:21:53 GMT

What a terrific article about a legendary trainer written by a legendary journalist.

I hope that you will consider writing a book with stories, as told by Lukas, about the races, backside, owners, and outstanding horses that he has trained. There could be chapter or perhaps another book about Secretariat's girls: Terlingua and Lady's Secret.

Lukas has said that Terlingua was so dominant a mare, that all of her progeny have a lot of her characteristics. I think her quirky personality, talent, looks, and energy can be seen even in the 3rd and 4th generation that followed. Horses like Shackleford, It's Tricky, Blue Grass Cat, and Sassy Image have so much of Terlingua in them.

Lukas used to wash down Terlingua himself and used Breck shampoo on her. He knew how to pamper a queen.

re: The Lukas Legend Continues

trackjack — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 11:46:11 GMT

Steve, thanks for another great wrap-up. D. Wayne deserves all the credit for getting WTC to this point. I was at the rail, a foul shot from the finish line, and although I had Palice Malice, Will Take Charge was the best looking horse in the post parade. He was calm yet on his toes, full of himself...coulda, shoulda. Congrats to the Lukas team.

The most touching scene from my vantage point was watching Jen Patterson go up to Orb on his return and give him a few strong pats on the neck with "Good job". She loves her charge.

IMO Mike Smith, after that break, should have put PM closer to the field as the horse looked very uncomfortable where he was at. With the slow fractions and speed dominating all day, Mike had the opportunity to move him up on the backside, but waited. The way he closed, if he would have been closer, he would have won by daylight.

Linda in Texas,

Never made it to Hattie's. Stayed at The Post both evenings after the races. Enjoyed the experience. With the Travers checked off my bucket list, if I return it will be on a Labor day weekend, the best time to visit Saratoga.

Ted from LA,

I swear I saw you at The Post bar after the Travers buying shots for everyone and putting it on D. Wayne's account. Was that you?

Dr. D,

Enjoy your time away. They'll let you bring in your own ice tea. Half spring water and half Woodford Reserve is the right mix. Enjoy and get well soon!

re: The Lukas Legend Continues

ksweatman9 — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 01:32:24 GMT

Coldfacts, I knew someone would say that. I said it myself, but this game is about the impossible and the unexpected, dreams and miracles, my friend. It's the sport of kings and I like that little red colt.

re: The Lukas Legend Continues

Coldfacts — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 22:44:27 GMT

ksweatman9,

"As far as the derby is concerned, Zenyatta's Tapit colt has winner written all over him."

Let me see, which Derby winner was produced by a HOY mare? Cannot fine one.

Which Derby winner was sired by a stallion that covers 200 mares per year. Cannot find one.

History is significantly against this colt being a Derby winner.

re: The Lukas Legend Continues

ksweatman9 — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 22:40:20 GMT

Horse flesh pays the price for success in this sport. If you make it to the top, chances are you've made some unpopular decisions with horse lovers. I certainly didn't condone alot of Lucas's strategic moves. In fact, just as recent as last year, I thought it was ignorant to push Optimizer through all 3 legs of the triple crown given the fact he was a grass horse and he wasn't showing anything in the triple crown races. Two flops and then the grueling Belmont. I mean, who does that? Luckily, the horse was tough enough to bounce back. Perhaps Lucas was counting on that. He does know his horses, even though I question whether he has always put the welfare of his trainees first. I'm a hopeless horse lover so I wouldn't get to first base in this game. No one is all good nor is anyone all bad. We all have faults, only animals are perfect. Yes God, I did say that. Anyway, I'm happy Lucas is having a few more glory days before he calls it quits. He has earned it.

re: The Lukas Legend Continues

Jean in Chicago — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 20:29:19 GMT

Ted from LA,

Sometime you'll have to teach me the trick of getting into boxes that aren't yours. I'm sorry to say that I'm now too old to think that batting my eyelashes will work.

re: The Lukas Legend Continues

Jean in Chicago — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 20:23:01 GMT

Dr. D,

Have nice rest and pick up a shell on the beach for me. We don't get many along the shore of Lake Michigan. Take care and remember we love you. Your comments to Laura are very sensitive and caring.

re: The Lukas Legend Continues

ksweatman9 — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 18:50:36 GMT

For a man with a quirky sense of humor, he's no joke when it comes to the ponies. I think he may still have a derby win under his belt. As far as the derby is concerned, Zenyatta's Tapit colt has winner written all over him. I don't know why, but I've got a gut feeling about this colt. I can't wait to see how he does on the track.

re: The Lukas Legend Continues

steve from st louis — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 17:37:49 GMT

When he was on top of the racing world, no one was more despised within his profession than D. Wayne. He made popular the shipping around the country with well-placed horses (remember my condition book mention?)to grab a local stakes and then leave town with the black-type and the loot.

All Todd Pletcher is doing these days is mimicking Lukas' script.

It was easy at first to be leary of Lukas because of his quarter-horse background and then his "Have Stable, Will Travel" calling cards. Mostly trainers were just plain jealous of Lukas.

I always compared Lukas'later-day training to that of Jack Van Berg, two Hall of Famers who stopped getting the top-quality horses they deserved. No one deserves more from the game than the two who gave so much to the game, Lukas and Van Berg. Here's a toast to them both!

re: The Lukas Legend Continues

Coldfacts — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 17:27:44 GMT

MemoriesofPuchi,

I expected some negative responses to some of the issues raised regarding the HOF trainer. I welcome opposing views but take exception to the fact that if one is not a HOF trainer one cannot be knowledgeable about the equipment used by equine athletes.

Did Hall Of Fame Football coach Bill Parcells ever play a single NFL game? He became a successful coach.

Before I address your question, it must be noted that I have also questioned the excessive use of the figure eight bit by Mr. Pletcher. He is regarded as God’s gift to racing.

Now back to Mr. Lukas. After Optimizer finished 1st and 2nd in his first two starts which were on turf. Mr. Lukas repeatedly specified that Optimizer was a dirt horse.

Nine of his next 10 starts were on dirt and one on synthetic. Despite the fact that the colt was not being competitive on dirt, the HOF Mr. Lukas persisted with entering him in races on the surface. Of the 9 dirt races he contest he recorded one top 3 finish and was off the board in the reminder.

Optimizer was eventually returned to turf were he has to date contested 16 races with 5 victories and five other top 3 finishes. Optimizer is yet to win a race dirt.

And what is the moral of the above story? Trainers can be wrong even HOF ones.

“If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got."

The moment the colt was returned to his preferred surface he resumed his competitiveness. Was he a dirt horse?

Do Trainers in Europe and other parts of the world run every horse in their stables in blinkers form their debut races? Will the blinker be replace for WTC next start?

The head gear is overused in America and in many instances it is unnecessary.

re: The Lukas Legend Continues

Cheering sister — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 17:24:57 GMT

Thanks Steve for another wonderful article. I've known Wayne for all his years (I'm his older sister--and admittedly biased.) Even as a child he was always passionate about horses, worked hard with honesty and integrity in his endeavors. Some kudos should go to our parents who taught us organization, the importance of education, and to always do your very best. Their support was always there. His brother and I are no slouches either--we're also in Halls of Fame! Wayne keep on having fun playing with the horses!

re: The Lukas Legend Continues

Love 'em all — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 16:05:35 GMT

What's four more years to Mr. Lukas, who just happens to celebrate his 78th b'day in 5 days [Sept. 2nd], to become that 82-year-old trainer like Mr. "Sunny" Jim Fitzsimmons and win another Preakness? I'd say he's more than likely to get his wish ... the way that man looks and acts today! Besides, horses don't care how old you are!

Cheers to Mr. Lukas and to Will Take Charge winning the Travers! I was rooting for WTC [my poll pick at another site] ... and because he was as close to Oxbow as I could get. It really was WTC's time to get a break .... and show his stuff; he should be mighty proud.

Wonderful article, Mr. Haskin.

re: The Lukas Legend Continues

MemoriesofPuchi — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 16:05:23 GMT

Thank you Steve for another absolutely excellent article. It truly expresses D. Wayne's passion for the sport, the horses, and the people.

Pedigree Ann - most of us remember those times but since then have moved on because we've seen D.Wayne move on, learn, and appreciate the horses even more. No great and successful personality comes without blemishes that they have learned from.

D.Wayne is the first trainer in the barns in the morning, not because somebody tells him to be, but because he wants to be there. He travels with his horses because he wants to, because he can now and he doesn't have to maintain an image.

Rajahsmom - thx for doing the research re Tabasco Cat and Jeff.

Coldfacts - not sure who you are, but it's unlikely that you are a trainer and have "a trophy room the size worthy of a museum", so it seems improbable that DWayne needs your advice and judgement on the use of blinkers. If you are a Hall of Fame horseman, my apologies in advance.

re: The Lukas Legend Continues

mikepr60 — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 15:41:59 GMT

Mr. Haskin. It's always interesting to read about a legend written by a legend. Thanks for a great read! Blessings to you and all at Bloodhorse.

re: The Lukas Legend Continues

Deltalady — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 15:03:41 GMT

I notice from the comments that some find it necessary to list their particular nits to pick about Lukas. "When you climb the ladder of success, you expose the seat of your pants." Lukas' longevity in the sport and his unparalleled accomplishments practically guarantee there are some things to criticize. For all of that, he seems comfortable in his own skin, he's not afraid to confront his demons, and, his blemishes are few compared to his accomplishments and his many contributions in and out of the sport. To paraphrase Sam Peckinpah, he will arrive "justified" when it's all said and done. In the meantime, he sure is fun to watch!

re: The Lukas Legend Continues

Coldfacts — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 13:43:10 GMT

Mr. Lukas seems to be coming in from the cold. All should be happy for him as his BOW speaks for itself. In recent time he has been seen as an aging legend no more capable of competing with his younger compatriots. He had to find less glamorous tracks to ply his trade as his percentages declined in every category.

In recent years I have been critical of D Wayne's policy of over racing his youngsters. Many of these youngsters have been ruined by this policy. One would think that with age and experience the folly of such a practice would be obvious. However, far too often having a starter in a particular race took precedence over wellbeing of many of his charges.

It also appears that over the years he became fixated with blinkers as just about every horse he sent out sported a pair. How can anyone forget his statement about Dublin? He declared the colt to be a blinkers horse despite the fact all his victories were achieved without them. Once they were affixed he never won another race and they were never removed.

I made some money on Will Take Charge when he won the Rebel at double digit odds. I subsequently made some favorable posts regarding his chances in the Derby. I was of the opinion then that the blinkers should have been removed. The colt had tactical speed and what purpose were they serving? How many stayers need blinkers?

Unbridled Elian, Dunkirk, Eight Bells, Cross Traffic, Graydar and Mission Impazible are some of Unbridled,s Song’s top racers and none wore blinkers. Is it any surprise that Will Take Charge is completely different horse without them?

The Breeder Cup Classics has been dominated by the Mr. Prospector sire in the last 6 years. WTC will be one of five horses from the line that is likely to be entered. The big chestnut will be my favorite to win and emulate another D Wayne chestnut that went the name Cat Thief.

I hope the post blinkers performances of WTC will remind Mr. Lukas that the head gear should base on need and should not be deemed necessary attire.

re: The Lukas Legend Continues

Davids — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 07:24:53 GMT

Warts and all, I think no one else has had a larger impact on US racing than DWL over the past 30 years. He arrived like a comet and is still a shooting star.

His early success was and is phenomenal.