D. Wayne Lukas

[gumtree]

[QUOTE=Windsor1;6374880]
My significant other, who by no means one to make these kinds of things up, lives in Saratoga. He saw D. Wayne at the track some years ago when a girl my boyfriend estimated to around 10 or 12 twelve years old approached Lukas with that day’s program in her hand to get his autograph. No one else around so not as though BigShot Trainer was being mobbed.

Lukas responded to this young girl’s request with “Get the [fudge] away from me.”[/QUOTE]

I usually stay out of these sort of threads. But I think this was a really unfair comment to make. No disrespect to your husband but you are hearing this second hand. And things get embellished over the years. I don’t know Wayne well but have known him for many, many years. Not always a fan of some of the things he has done over the years but I respect him. Like Equilibrium said he is hardly the only one. I find what you have posted to be HIGHLY out of character. Maybe he was in the middle of watching a horse work, train, etc. and it appeared that he was being dismissive. But I find it very hard to believe that he would have said that to anyone let along a little girl.

[Linny]

I agree with Gum Tree. I have known DWL for some years but it’s a professional friendship, I have never worked with or for him, though I have interviewed him. I have never found him to be anything but charming. At Oaklawn over the last few years he has started inviting children who are standing near the winner’s circle into the circle with him for photos when his horses win. He also purchases a copy of the photo for the kids.

I can see why folks wouldn’t like him, but as both a media member and a hands on horseperson, I don’t see justification for singling DWL out when I also see other trainers bending the rules about as far as you can.

[CVPeg]

There are plenty of stellar trainers out there with no stakes winners in their barns. A shame, as some are the best horsemen on this planet. But the new “owner” often demands a full explanation, for the 5% of the $10,000 horse they own. A good horseman is often better at taking care of their horses, than being a marketing specialist, or racehorse internet forum moderator (not directed at COTH!). But the money won’t necessarily follow him/her.

I’ve always been a bit jaded about DWL, and how he got to where he is, because it was so different. See him often at Saratoga and he does arrive with an air. But he certainly must have done something right considering all the talent that originated with him.

I wish he had used Optimizer in the right place rather than a regular ticket to the TC races. But doubt he’s listened to others’ opinions before in how he sees his business. And it is probably the sport that keeps him driving on for that next special horse. But glad to hear from those who’ve actually worked with him that he isn’t all that bad in the first place.

[halo]

[QUOTE=Windsor1;6374880]
My significant other, who by no means one to make these kinds of things up, lives in Saratoga. He saw D. Wayne at the track some years ago when a girl my boyfriend estimated to around 10 or 12 twelve years old approached Lukas with that day’s program in her hand to get his autograph. No one else around so not as though BigShot Trainer was being mobbed.

Lukas responded to this young girl’s request with “Get the [fudge] away from me.”[/QUOTE]

I dont believe this for one second. I dont agree with his training methods; he trains sore horses, and thats a fact, Ive seen it with my own eyes, many many times. But Ive never seen him treat a fan with anything but kindness and respect.

No no no no, it never happened.

[Windsor1]

[QUOTE=halo;6377651]
I dont believe this for one second. I dont agree with his training methods; he trains sore horses, and thats a fact, Ive seen it with my own eyes, many many times. But Ive never seen him treat a fan with anything but kindness and respect.

No no no no, it never happened.[/QUOTE]

Okay, he’s a prince.