The China Mail - Hall of Fame trainer Lukas ill, won't return to racing: Churchill Downs

In a release posted on its website, the Louisville track that hosts the Kentucky Derby said the horses in the 89-year-old Lukas's care had been transferred to veteran assistant Sebastian Nicholl.

"According to the family, Lukas, 89, has battled a severe infection that has worsened his condition," Churchill Downs said on its website.

Lukas "has declined an aggressive treatment plan" and will soon return home to spend his remaining time with his wife, Laurie, and other family members."

Lukas is one of the most accomplished trainers in US racing history. His 15 Triple Crown victories are second only to Bob Baffert's 17 and he is tied with Ireland's Aidan O'Brien for most Breeders' Cup wins for a trainer with 20.

He saddled his most recent Triple Crown race winner last year with Seize the Grey in the Preakness -- his seventh Preakness triumph.

"Wayne is one of the greatest competitors and most important figures in Thoroughbred racing history," Churchill Downs president Mike Anderson said. "He transcended the sport of horse racing and took the industry to new levels.

"The lasting impact of his character and wisdom, from his acute horsemanship to his unmatched attention to detail, will be truly missed.

"The enormity of this news is immense, and our prayers are with his family and friends around the world during this difficult time."

During a career spanning six decades, Lukas amassed 4,967 documented Thoroughbred wins and his horses earned more than $301 million from 30,607 starts, including 1,105 stakes wins of which 637 were graded stakes.

Nicholl, an Englishman who has worked with Lukas since January 2002, said Lukas's legacy "will never be matched.

"Every decision I make, every horse I saddle, I'll hear his voice in the back of my mind," Nicholl said. "This isn't about filling his shoes -- no one can -- it's about honoring everything that he has built."

G.Fung--ThChM