Power of Caring
  presented by CIGNA

In the details

Hall of Fame trainer Lukas lives and breathes horse racing

Click here for more on this story

Posted: Wednesday June 02, 1999 12:43 PM

Lukas: "There's still something more to learn, and Charismatic's a great example...I thought I had it pretty well figured out and then I ran into him." AP

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (CNN/SI) -- When Wayne Lukas won his fourth Kentucky Derby last month and followed up two weeks later with a Preakness victory for the fifth time in his Hall of Fame career, many viewed the achievements as a comeback.

But has Wayne Lukas ever really been away?

"The thing about it is with experience comes a certain amount of confidence," he says. "I think there is a reason certain coaches get there every year. I think there is a reason that Bill Parcells can take the Jets where he took them."

This is a man now in his 60's who has never taken a vacation. Who hasn't taken a day off in 14 years. And who naps ten minutes and is fresh again.

So what sustains a person to get up day after day at 3:30 in the morning?

"I think when the score is tallied up, I want to be counted," Lukas said. "That's what drives me. That's what motivates me. That's what gets me up and gets me going."

Lukas says the only hole in his game is that he can never know it all, and the horse he's trying to win the Triple Crown with Saturday is giving him his most recent lesson.

"This is the thing," he says. "If you wake up every day and realize that there's still something more to learn -- and Charismatic's a great example because he taught me some things -- I thought I had it pretty well figured out and then I ran into him."

Lukas discovered Charismatic thrives on something the trainer can relate to, hard work. He watches every step his horses take, and also attends to every minute detail in his stable -- from the amount of straw in each barn to how much soap is in the bucket on bath day.

"Well a lot of people don't realize how much attention these horses really get," Lukas said. "I mean there is no child in the United States that is getting the attention that Charismatic is getting this week."

And why is that?

"You have to really pay attention because it is a sport that flows and hinges on so many of the little things. Everybody is doing the big things."

Lukas loves to compete and lately that competition has a specific name and face -- Bob Baffert. How does Lukas really feel about a peer who has stolen his thunder and media attention the past two years by nearly winning the last two triple crowns?

"Well Bob and I are not close friends," Lukas confesses. But we have a good relationship. I think he respects me. I certainly respect him."

Is it a rivalry?

"No, I don't think it is."

Baffert has a different spin to offer.

"Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker are at it again, but ah, it's one of those things that I think is good for the sport. I think Wayne and I have always had this competitive challenge. I guess if it wasn't for him, racing would be boring for me."

As for what would bore Wayne Lukas? When will he take that month off in Tahiti?

"I'd go crazy," he says laughing. "What the hell would I do?"

Once a horseman. Always a horseman.

 

Related information
Stories
Triple Crown Winners Belmont Stakes Winners Horse Capsules
Multimedia
D. Wayne Lukas discusses why his cherished horses are pampered and taken good care of.   • Start(853 K .MOV) Lukas says his experience allowed him to make a strong comeback (102 K) Lukas talks about the drive and motivation to compete while waking up at the crack of dawn (76 K) Click here for the latest audio and video
Search our site	Watch CNN/SI 24 hours a day
	Sports Illustrated and CNN have combined to form a 24 hour sports news and information channel. To receive CNN/SI at your home call 1-888-53-CNNSI.