Lukas undergoes back surgery

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas underwent back surgery last week and has been recovering at his Louisville home while his longtime assistant Bas Nicholl oversees the training of his stable at Churchill Downs.

Lukas, 84, had been experiencing a pinching sensation and numbness down his leg prior to the surgery, which apparently went well, according to a friend familiar with his situation. Repeated messages left for Lukas and Nicholl went unreturned. It is not known when Lukas will ease back into his daily routine, nor when or if he will be able to train while riding his stable pony, as is his custom.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999, Lukas is the all-time leading trainer in Breeders’ Cup wins (20) and has won 14 Triple Crown events, including the Kentucky Derby four times. He has won an Eclipse Award five times – four for outstanding trainer, plus the Award of Merit in 2013.

Last year, Lukas won 16 races, his lowest total since he began training Thoroughbreds in 1977. This year, the stable has won 12 races from 166 starts. His career stable earnings are more than $282 million, fifth on the all-time list led by his former assistant Todd Pletcher ($382 million).