Well Deserved Mr. Lukas by Michael Fenrich

Well Deserved Mr. Lukas by Michael Fenrich: Before this scribe began writing about horses and the sport of horse racing I was a hot walker for The Coach, Hall Of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas.

I got involved in horse racing in high school. I went to the track with a friend and I was mesmerized by the majestic horses. While at the track with my friend I met trainers and jockeys. I really wanted to work with the horses so I decided to contact trainers about working for them. I asked Mr. Lukas and he gave me the opportunity.

When I started working at the stable I couldn’t believe I was taking care of the talented equine. The hot walkers, grooms and exercise riders were so friendly and helpful. I learned a lot from them and I am so grateful they worked with me.

I worked for the Lukas stable for about a year in the mid 1990’s. I was with the stable when they won the 1996 Belmont Stakes with Editors Note. It must be a sign Editors Note won now that I am a writer.

On the days I worked they gave me Lord Carson to hot walk. I was so glad they did. Lord Carson walked so slow and steady at the stable but he ran so fast on the racetrack. Lord Carson would pull me to his water bucket.

Even though Lord Carson has died many of his offspring are running and are sires now. Windsor Castle and Tannersmyman are continuing the great run that Lord Carson did. When I see these other offspring run I know that I have a connection to them.

When I go back to the track as a fan and a writer I am still friendly with the hot walkers and grooms that I used to work with. I want to thank them for teaching me about horses and it is great to have this friendship.

Hall Of Fame Jockey Mike Smith who has ridden horses for Lukas shares his thoughts of what Lukas has meant to the horse racing industry.

“A great man !!! And well deserved. !!! Man who took this sport of horse racing to another level. When you got the chance to ride for him that’s when you knew you had made the big time,” said Smith.

With the new stakes race, Lukas Classic named after Lukas on Saturday, September 26, 2015 at Churchill Downs, it is well deserved that this is bestowed to one of the greatest trainers in the game. I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to work and learn about thoroughbreds from Mr Lukas.

Lukas Classic Stakes 2015 Post Positions & Odds
Race 10 5:20 PM ET
1 Hesinfront 15-1 Lanerie/Romans
2 Abraham 12-1 Rocco, Jr./Sharp
3 Ulanbator 7-2 Leparoux/Wilkes
4 Departing 7-2 Hernandez, Jr./Stall, Jr.
5 Irish You Well 5-1 Hill/Catalano
6 Mylute 2-1 Geroux/Pletcher
7 Smack Smack 10-1 Laviolette/Von Hemel
8 Geothermal 8-2 Albarado/Margolis