Derby Museum to Become Home for Lukas Collection

Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas announced April 30 that his personal Thoroughbred racing collection from throughout his career will go to the Kentucky Derby Museum as part of its permanent collection.

The extensive collection includes four Kentucky Derby (G1) and four Kentucky Oaks (G1)  trophies, Breeders' Cup trophies, a painting of Winning Colors at Keenland by Peter Curling, a bronze sculpture of Serena's Song by artist Nina Kaiser, multiple Eclipse awards, photos from his quarter horse and Thoroughbred training career, and much more.

The announcement was made during a press conference at Fan Fest Day at the Kentucky Derby Museum, a day-long celebration of Thoroughbred racing, past and present honoring the career of Lukas.

Following the announcement, Lukas answered questions about the acquisition, calling it a win-win for everyone involved.

"When I was considering a permanent home for my collection, the Museum was an ideal fit to protect and showcase my legacy for many years to come," Lukas said.

Patrick Armstrong, Kentucky Derby Museum President, echoed the same sentiment, "being the true keeper of the history of the Kentucky Derby, we are always striving to capture and showcase the stories of those connected, whether through oral histories or artifacts themselves. We are very excited to house and display the legacy of such an important figure in the racing industry and really cannot express in words how much it means to the have the Lukas collection at the Kentucky Derby Museum."

Lukas has conditioned more champions than any other trainer in the modern era. He is the Breeders Cup all-time leading trainer in purse money won. He has won a record 14 Triple Crown races and  has received four Eclipse awards for Outstanding Trainer. He was elected to the National Museum of Racing's Hall of Fame in 1999.

Known as "The Coach," Lukas has groomed many top trainers, including Todd Pletcher, Kiaran McLaughlin, Randy Bradshaw, Mark Hennig, George Weaver, and Dallas Stewart.

His support of the Kentucky Derby Museum has been integral since inception including donation of time and items. Lukas played a large role in the development of It's My Derby, a fundraising concept which raised over $160,000 for the Museum and was instrumental in establishing numerous industry relationships. Along with Gary Stevens, they donated the Garland of Roses of Winning Colors. 

The collection will be housed at the Museum by the close of summer with plans for a permanent installation in the future.