The Kentucky Derby Museum unveiled a brand-new temporary exhibit dedicated to the storied career of legendary trainer, D. Wayne Lukas. Lukas joined Kentucky Derby Museum President Patrick Armstrong and Churchill Downs Racetrack President Kevin Flanery Friday to officially open the exhibit.
The four-time Kentucky Derby winning, Hall of Fame trainer announced last May that his personal Thoroughbred racing career collection, featuring over 1200 items, including trophies, art work and personal mementos, would be permanently housed at the Kentucky Derby Museum.
Highlights of the new exhibit include Lukas’s four Kentucky Derby trophies for wins in 1988 (Winning Colors), 1995 (Thunder Gulch), 1996 (Grindstone) and 1999 (Charismatic), four Kentucky Oaks trophies, four Kentucky Derby rings and Hall of Fame ring, and his Eclipse Award of Merit, received in 2013. This is the first time guests of the Museum will have a chance to see these items, and others, publicly displayed together. The exhibit is part of the general admission experience at the Museum.
“We wanted to feature items from Wayne’s vast collection as soon as possible. We wanted to share it with our guests and share his story,” Patrick Armstrong, President and CEO of the Kentucky Derby Museum. “Now everyone who comes through our doors will have a chance to learn a little more about this legend of Thoroughbred racing.”
“I am excited to share this special memorabilia with the public, giving them the opportunity to go down memory lane,” D. Wayne Lukas said. “With this exhibit and plans for an extended display coming soon, I’m proud to share my legacy with the Kentucky Derby Museum’s visitors.”
Plans for a much larger exhibit featuring the majority of the D. Wayne Lukas Collection are underway. Additional details will be announced at a later date.
About D. Wayne Lukas:
D. Wayne 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 ($20.3 million), starters (156) and victories (20). He has won a record 14 Triple Crown races including four Kentucky Derby wins, six Preakness wins, and four Belmont victories. He has received five Eclipse awards and was elected to the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame in 1999.
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. He is also prominently featured in the Museum’s signature exhibit, the 360° movie, The Greatest Race.