LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas has won just about every award imaginable for a man in his position. But soon he’ll add another accolade to an already long list. He will receive the first-ever Kentucky Derby Museum Lifetime Achievement Award.

Lukas’ career spans decades and includes unprecedented successes. He has won the Kentucky Derby four times, the Preakness Stakes six times and has won the Belmont Stakes four times. In a release, the Kentucky Derby Museum said, “His unparalleled dedication to the sport and influence on countless individuals in the racing community make him a deserving recipient of the Museum’s inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award.”

D. Wayne Lukas has trained a record 26 World Champions, including three that were Horse of the Year. He is being honored on April 11, 2024 with inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kentucky Derby Museum. (Kentucky Derby Museum)

Lukas said of the newest honor, “Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible horses and talented individuals. Looking back, I get the greatest satisfaction from seeing the young people who have been with me through thick and thin come through our program and achieve their own great successes. The Kentucky Derby Museum has been instrumental in documenting and sharing the joy of racing with the world, and I extend my sincere thanks to the Museum for this prestigious honor.”

Lukas will accept his award at the Derby 150 Birthday Tribute dinner scheduled for April 11, 2024 at the museum. Tickets are available online.

The Derby Museum houses an exhibit dedicated to Lukas and the items on display come from the trainer’s personal collection. According to the museum, Lukas permanently entrusted the items to the museum in 2017. They say it’s a testament to not only his generosity, but his commitment to preserving the history of horse racing.

Patrick Armstrong, President and CEO of the Kentucky Derby Museum said, “D. Wayne Lukas is a true icon in horse racing, and his legacy is woven into the fabric of the Kentucky Derby. We are honored to recognize his unparalleled achievements and lasting impact with the first-ever Kentucky Derby Museum Lifetime Achievement Award. His support for the Museum has been invaluable, and we are thrilled to celebrate his remarkable career.”