In response to the TDN series ‘How I Got Hooked on Horse Racing,’ we were fortunate to receive a heartfelt letter from a retired businessman who once owned a horse trained by the renowned Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas. This story is a testament to the impact that Lukas has had on the lives of those involved in the world of horse racing.

Christina Bossinakis' Professional Profile

The author vividly recalls Christina Bossinakis's professional profile in the Thoroughbred Daily News. It was this encounter that sparked a connection with D. Wayne Lukas. The mention of their shared history hit a chord with the former owner, setting the stage for a series of remarkable events.

Hurrying Gurdy Man's Journey

In 1986, the owner had a horse named Hurrying Gurdy Man that showed promise in Pennsylvania. When the horse was recovering from a saucer fracture, the owner decided to entrust it to D. Wayne Lukas. He called the listed phone number and was pleasantly surprised when Lukas answered quickly. After a brief exchange about their shared UW and cheesehead history, the owner asked Lukas to take Hurrying Gurdy Man as a project. Lukas didn't hesitate and agreed. Over the next 13 months, Hurrying Gurdy Man compiled an impressive record of 5-3-1 in 13 starts. It was a time of great joy for the owner and his partners. Jeff Lukas and Kiaran McLaughlin were Lukas's primary assistant trainers, and they all worked together as a team. The owner always felt important to Lukas and his staff, even though Lukas was the number one trainer in the country.

The Brother's Cancer Struggle and Lukas' Help

Fast forward to 1998, when the owner's younger brother was suffering from cancer and was on the verge of death. The brother was a high school math teacher who loved Thoroughbred racing and had fond memories of driving to Arlington Park from Madison in the '60s. He had never been able to enjoy racing as an owner or participant in a big racing event. The owner asked his brother if he would join him at Churchill Downs for the Breeders' Cup if he could get them on the backstretch. Lukas answered the phone on the second ring when the owner called. Despite not having a race prospect to offer, Lukas kindly listened to the request and said he would talk to his wife. Several days later, his wife called and told the owner that they were on a list to be honored at the back gate. On Breeders' Cup Saturday, they were waived through the gate and made their way to the Lukas barn. Even though it was early, the activity was intense. D. Wayne Lukas was entertaining the press trackside, but the barn asked them to stay as he was about to return. Soon, Lukas's cowboy hat was visible through the press, and he greeted the owner and his brother warmly. It had been over a decade since Lukas had trained Hurrying Gurdy Man, but he still remembered the owner. The owner was deeply impressed and thanked Lukas profusely. Lukas then walked into his barn office and grabbed an envelope with the owner's name on it tacked to the cork board and gave it to them, providing reserved seats and paddock passes for all the races that day. The owner and his brother had a fabulous day that they will never forget.

An Unforgettable Experience

Benjamin Franklin's quote, "if you want something done, ask a busy person," perfectly sums up Lukas's actions. He not only helped the owner and his brother but did so with class. The owner's brother is still alive today, with a good attitude despite undergoing dialysis due to the ravages of cancer and related treatments. An aside from the story is that the owner met a woman this summer who grew up in Antigo, Wisconsin. She mentioned D. Wayne Lukas, Clyde Rice, and potatoes, and added that Lukas's mother was a "class act who was warm and generous." This further emphasizes the positive impact that Lukas has had on those around him.