The Kentucky Derby Museum is proud to announce that Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas will be the recipient of the first-ever Kentucky Derby Museum Lifetime Achievement Award. The award will be presented to Lukas at the Derby 150 Birthday Tribute Dinner April 11.
The event will take place at the Kentucky Derby Museum, and tickets are available for purchase on the Museum's website.
Lukas, a titan in the world of horse racing, has left an indelible mark on the sport. With an illustrious career spanning decades, Lukas has achieved remarkable success, including four Kentucky Derby (G1) victories, six Preakness Stakes (G1) victories, and four Belmont Stakes (G1) victories. His unparalleled dedication to the sport and influence on countless individuals in the racing community make him a deserving recipient of the museum's inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award.
In response to the announcement, Lukas shared his appreciation, saying: "I am deeply honored to receive the Kentucky Derby Museum Lifetime Achievement Award. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working with incredible horses and talented individuals. Looking back, I get the greatest satisfaction from seeing the young people, who have been with me through thick and thin, come through our program and achieve their own great successes. The Kentucky Derby Museum has been instrumental in documenting and sharing the joy of racing with the world, and I extend my sincere thanks to the museum for this prestigious honor."
At the ticketed event, the Museum will recognize Lukas not only for his outstanding career but also for his enduring support of the Kentucky Derby Museum. The museum is privileged to house a comprehensive exhibit dedicated to Lukas, largely relying on his personal collection. This extensive exhibit, permanently entrusted to the Museum's care in 2017, is a testament to Lukas's generosity and commitment to preserving the history of horse racing.
Patrick Armstrong, president and CEO of the Kentucky Derby Museum, expressed his gratitude for Lukas' significant contributions: "D. Wayne Lukas is a true icon in horse racing, and his legacy is woven into the fabric of the Kentucky Derby. We are honored to recognize his unparalleled achievements and lasting impact with the first-ever Kentucky Derby Museum Lifetime Achievement Award. His support for the Museum has been invaluable, and we are thrilled to celebrate his remarkable career."
Lukas will attend the Derby 150 Birthday Tribute Dinner, a party celebrating the Kentucky Derby turning 150 years old. Attendees anticipate an experience with a plated dinner, birthday cake, a celebratory toast of Old Forester's rare Birthday Bourbon, and special programming. Guests will also be the first to witness the premiere of a brand new Derby 150 film, "Down The Stretch," which will play in conjunction with the Museum's feature 360° movie, "The Greatest Race", through 2024.
