D. Wayne Lukas Hospitalized in Pennsylvania

Blood-Horse

D. Wayne Lukas has been hospitalized near Philadelphia, the Hall of Famer trainer’s assistant, Tim Austin, said Sept. 20.

Austin wouldn’t disclose the specifics of Lukas’ condition, citing privacy concerns, but said he expects the 80-year-old conditioner to have a pacemaker installed sometime soon. Austin wanted clear the air after rumors swirled on social media that Lukas had suffered a heart attack.

“I just want to clear everything up, because earlier today, people were saying he had a heart attack,” Austin said. “That’s just not the case.”

Lukas was in Pennsylvania Sept. 19 to run Mr. Z in the Pennsylvania Derby (gr. II) and Take Charge Brandi in the Cotillion Stakes (gr. I) at Parx Racing, when he began to feel ill.

“He just wasn’t feeling well—almost flu-like symptoms,” Austin said. “The ambulance took him (to the hospital) because he had a low heart rate. He’s stable now and doing well.”