Bob Baffert and D. Wayne Lukas: A Touching Tribute Between Horse Racing Icons
There are few things in sports more powerful than legends paying tribute to one another. At this year’s Preakness Stakes, that sentiment came to life when 72-year-old Bob Baffert was seen kneeling before 89-year-old Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas—a gesture that moved fans and reignited admiration for both icons.
The moment went far beyond competition. It symbolized decades of respect, shared history, and a deep-rooted bond between two men who helped shape American horse racing. Both Baffert and Lukas began their careers training American Quarter Horses before transitioning to thoroughbreds. Now, both are seeking new victories—Lukas with American Promise, and Baffert with Citizen Bull, hoping to rebound after a disappointing 15th-place Kentucky Derby finish.
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Reflecting on their relationship, Baffert recalled first seeing Lukas as a teenager at a dusty track in Arizona. “He came in there with these fancy trailers and horses and won all these races… it was just a tiny track in the middle of nowhere,” he said. That early encounter left a mark on a young Baffert, long before his own rise to Triple Crown stardom.
Lukas, who continues to train at 89, also acknowledged their long-standing connection. “He followed me. I’m probably fifteen years in front of him… We’ve had a friendship for a long time,” he said. Beyond their shared beginnings, both trainers have similar approaches—favoring front-running horses with similar builds and temperaments.
Despite Baffert’s edge in Triple Crown titles, he remains humbled in the presence of Lukas, whom he still regards with reverence. Their mutual admiration is grounded not only in success but also in their willingness to embrace the grueling demands of the Triple Crown series—something many modern trainers shy away from. Baffert even noted, “He’s not afraid to run them,” referencing Lukas’ boldness in entering horses in tightly scheduled races.
Their friendship, though understated, is clear. Both men speak more about the sport than each other, but their mutual respect is visible in every interaction. Their shared history, competitive fire, and commitment to tradition make their rivalry more than a storyline—it’s a cornerstone of what makes horse racing so compelling.