Hall of Fame coach D. Wayne Lukas, who broke several ribs in a recent fall at Oaklawn Park from a stable pony, looking to the future on December 10, for both himself and his horses.
Speaking by phone from his Arkansas winter residence, the 87-year-old said his recovery was improving after falling from his horse when “it freaked me out.” scared and I caught him with my spur.” Lukas said he now feels too much pain to lie down. So he changed his sitting position to avoid too much discomfort.
“I have a beautiful nurse taking care of me,” he said of his wife, Laurie.
When Lukas is healthy again as a familiar presence in morning training on horseback, he will have Briland Farms’ secret oath to raise your spirits. After being pulled from the Fasig-Tipton November Sale shortly after she finished 5th at the Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) November 5 at Keenelandshe is currently doing light training in Oaklawn with local goals like Azeri Stock March 11 (G2) and Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) April 15 being the planned targets.
The Daily Racing Form first reported those plans and Lukas’ injury.
Lukas said of his cage star: “She’s eating well and healthy — I’m so happy for her. “I think she could have a great year.”
Indicates a late development from her dam, Briland Farm’s Absinthe has a mind Lukas believes the Vow of Secrets will be better next year in 4th place than this season in 3rd as she won Honeybee Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn and Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs of her top holdings. Daughter of Superior also beat the council on three other 1st graders.
On Briland Farm owners Robert and Stacy Mitchell’s decision to pull her out of the November Sale this fall to race with her another year, Lukas said: “I just think it’s the best thing that’s ever happened. they can do, but it’s obviously in my favor.”
“Those 12 months will pass” to the fall 2023 sales season, he added.
Although Lukas’ current group of 2-year-olds has been quiet about their racing track record, he believes next year’s crop holds promise, noting some expensive annual purchases made in the summer. this year with owners John Bellinger and Brian Coelho of BC Stables.
(LR): Stacy Coelho, Brian Coelho, John Bellinger and D. Wayne Lukas at Keeneland’s Annual September Sale
Among the horses purchased at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale by BC Stables was a $1.15 million horse. Quality Sugar colt out of the deposit dixe alliance mare check from zneckup and 1 million dollars into naughty colt out of the song Unbridled’s Song mare No kidding .
Crosby: Lukas enjoys the limelight with a $1 million purchase
The Quality Road pony is a half-brother to the classified bet winner caribbean capers (Sightstown ).
“I think this old man will run better again,” Lukas said.
