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New York Post
2 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
D. Wayne Lukas, legendary horse trainer, dead at 89
D. Wayne Lukas, the Hall of Famer who became one of the most accomplished trainers in the history of horse racing and a face of the sport for decades, has died. He was 89. His family said Sunday that Lukas died Saturday night at his Louisville, Kentucky, home. Advertisement Lukas had been hospitalized with a severe MRSA blood infection that caused significant damage to his heart and digestive system and worsened pre-existing chronic conditions. 'Wayne devoted his life not only to horses but to the industry — developing generations of horsemen and horsewomen and growing the game by inviting unsuspecting fans into the winner's circle,' his family said in a statement. 'Whether he was boasting about a maiden 2-year-old as the next Kentucky Derby winner or offering quiet words of advice before a big race, Wayne brought heart, grace, and grit to every corner of the sport. His final days were spent at home in Kentucky, where he chose peace, family, and faith.' 5 Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST Advertisement 5 Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST Lukas won 15 Triple Crown races, including the Kentucky Derby four times. Only good friend Bob Baffert has more Triple Crown victories, and Lukas owns a record-tying 20 in the Breeders' Cup World Championships. 'The whole secret of this game, I think, is being able to read the horse: Read what he needs, what he doesn't need, what he can't do, what he can do,' Lukas said in May before his 34th and final Preakness Stakes. 'That's the whole key. Everybody's got the blacksmith, everybody's got to the same bed available, the feed man. We all can hire a good jockey. We all can hire a pretty good exercise rider if we've got the means, so what the hell is the difference? The horse is the difference and what we do with him in reading him.' Lukas was affectionately known around the barns and the racetrack as 'Coach' because he coached high school basketball before his professional career with horses began. Even with months to go before his 90th birthday, he would get up on his pony in the early morning hours and go out to the track himself, rather than letting his assistants do the day-to-day work. Advertisement 5 Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST Born Darnell Wayne Lukas on Sept. 2, 1935, in Wisconsin as the second of three children, he rose to prominence in the sport with quarter horses in races that are effectively sprints. He moved into thoroughbreds in the late 1970s and won his first Preakness with Codex in 1980. Lukas has 4,967 documented victories in thoroughbred racing, with his horses earning more than $310 million from more than 30,600 starts. 'Today we lost one of the great champions of Churchill Downs and one of the most significant figures in Thoroughbred racing over the last 50 years,' Churchill Downs Inc. CEO Bill Carstanjen said. 'We will miss his humor, his wisdom and his unmatched capacity to thrill the fans with the performances of his horses on our sport's biggest days.' Advertisement 5 Trainer Lukas (left) and jockey Gary Stevens ( center) accept the trophy for the 67th running of the Acorn at Belmont. Trophy presented by Mike Francesa. BOB COGLIANESE 5 Luis Saez, D. Wayne Lukas, and owner Rob Mitchel loft the trophy in the winners' circle after their horse, Secret Oath, won the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on Friday, May 6th, 2022 Horse Racing Kentucky Oaks, Mark Abraham/UPI/Shutterstock Achieving something of a career renaissance over the past decade, one he credits to finding the right owners willing to spend money on horses, Lukas won the Preakness last year with Seize the Grey. Asked what motivates him to keep doing his job well into his late 80s, he gave a pep talk fit for a locker room before a big game. 'If you have a passion, you eliminate all the excuses,' Lukas said. 'That's how it works. You get up early. You go without a meal. You drive. You go without sleep — as long as you got the passion. Don't let that sofa pull you down. It's a little easy when that alarm goes off to say, 'Oh my God, I don't know if I really want to do this today.' Erase that. The most important decision you'll ever make in your life is your attitude decision. Make it early, and make the right one.'
New York Post
13-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Why Saratoga will stay as host for the 2026 Belmont Stakes
Anyone who has ever had work done on their house knows deadlines are often fluid when it comes to renovations. That's why it should be no surprise that Saratoga Race Course will remain the host of the Belmont Stakes in 2026. The race will take place on Saturday, June 6, 2026, and, due to the configurations of the track in Saratoga, will be run at a mile and a quarter, rather than the traditional mile and a half. The original plan was to have Belmont Park up and running for next year's 'Test of the Champion,' but it will instead reopen in September 2026. The announcement, made Friday by Gov. Kathy Hochul and the New York Racing Association, explained that keeping the Belmont Stakes in Saratoga for one more year would allow for the on-time and uninterrupted construction of a new Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y. 3 Sovereignty won the Belmont Stakes this year. Getty Images 'New York is home to world class sports and entertainment and this final chapter of the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course honors our rich racing heritage while paving the way for a bold, new future at Belmont Park,' Gov. Hochul said in a statement. 'Bringing the race back to Saratoga next year will once again expand the audience for this storied leg of the Triple Crown and ensure fans continue to enjoy the full experience.' 3 The field breaks from the starters gate at Saratoga Race Course. JASON SZENES/ NY POST Saratoga has hosted the last two iterations of the Belmont Stakes, won by Dornoch and Sovereignty. The annual Saratoga summer meet will get underway on Thursday, July 10, but the Race Course will also serve as the host of the July 4th Racing Festival, which is traditionally held at Belmont Park. 3 overeignty with jockey Junior Alvarado aboard celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the 157th Running of the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York, Saturday, June 7, 2025. JASON SZENES/ NY POST The four-day festival will run from Thursday, July 3, to Sunday, July 6. Hochul announced earlier this month that Belmont would host the 2027 Breeders' Cup.
New York Post
28-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Kids, grandkids of NYPD and FDNY heroes lost in line-of-duty throw first pitch at Mets game
Four children and grandchildren of heroes threw out the first pitch at Wednesday's Mets game — a feat one described as a 'once in a lifetime opportunity.' Hannah Cristiano, 7, Charli Scalf, 11 and siblings Jackson, 7, and Stella Abear, 5 — descendants of FDNY and NYPD members who laid out their lives for others — braved the rain and stormed the mound with Answer The Call associate committee members in celebration of the charity's 40th anniversary 'It was so exciting to throw out that ball. I really couldn't sleep last night, I was so excited,' said Jackson Abear, who boasted he needed no practice to be the only one of the four to 'throw it perfectly to my guy.' 4 Four children and grandchildren of FDNY and NYPD heroes threw out the first pitch at Wednesday's Mets game. JASON SZENES/NY POST The opportunity was much more emotional for Catherine Abear, who lost her husband, NYPD Detective Raymond Abear, five years ago after he contracted Covid while visiting crime victims in hospitals during the early days of the pandemic. 'It's bittersweet. It was really emotional and cool at the same time — Ray and I were both big Mets fans, so it's quite cool to see them on the field. I'm raising them Mets fans!' said Abear, adding that she had to wipe away tears as she watched the pair relish in the moment. The trio was among hundreds of other Answer The Call families who attended the foundation's 40th anniversary of providing financial and community support to families whose loved ones gave their lives in service of the FDNY and NYPD. More than 1,200 were originally slated to attend the annual event before it was moved up several hours to account for the poor weather sweeping the Big Apple. 4 Charli Scalf, left, Stella and Jackson Abear, and Hannah Cristiano simultaneously threw out the first pitch to Answer The Call committee members. JASON SZENES/NY POST But the rain couldn't keep away Charli Scalf, who, along with her mother Taina, was honoring the memory of her father Detective Jeffrey Scalf. Like Abear, the 14-year NYPD veteran died from the 'invisible bullet' of the coronavirus as he worked through the early and uncertain days of the pandemic. 'It was really fun and exciting because I feel like it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,' Charli, who said her favorite part was meeting starting pitchers Clay Holmes and David Peterson — despite being a self-professed Yankee fan. Taina Scalf said she went through multiple emotions throughout the day's festivities, ranging from elation at watching her daughter to sadness that her husband was missing it, but was overall content that she was surrounded by other families who had gone through the same struggles. 4 The kids met with New York Mets bench coach John Gibbons ahead of the game, as well as starting pitchers Clay Holmes and David Peterson. JASON SZENES/NY POST 'Answer The Call really cares, even though it's five years later. It was five years ago, but it still feels like today to us,' she explained. Little Hannah Cristiano donned a Mets dress and hair bows in honor of her mega Mets fan grandfather, Tommy Farino, who was one of the 343 FDNY members lost on 9/11. Kieran Bellew, 20, and his mom Eileen sat below the massive scoreboard to watch the four kids storm the mound — a place he'd been before. Kieran was just 4 years old when he threw out the first pitch in 2009, five years after his dad, FDNY Lt. John Bellow, was killed when he jumped out of a burning building in Brooklyn on Black Sunday. 4 Detective Raymond Abear died in 2020 after contracting Covid. Detectives' Endowment Association 'It's funny because if they have the same perspective I did, it's as though they're players for the Mets, not just kids throwing out the first pitch,' said Kieran, adding that his father was a huge Mets fan. 'It's very cool. It's just like creating a whole new generation of fans … It's like passing the torch.' Missing the annual event was not an option for the Bellow family, according to Eileen: 'Now that my kids are older, it's on their calendar. They make sure that they come together and go.' The organization, officially known as the New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund, was established in 1985 by Mets legend Daniel 'Rusty' Staub, who was inspired after reading about a young NYPD who left his widow and three children behind after he was killed in the line of duty. Since then, Answer The Call has provided over $180 million directly to more than 1,000 families. This year alone, the charity has distributed over $5.5 million to more than 500 families, with widows ranging in age from their 20s to their 90s. Each family is provided with $50,000 typically within the first 24 hours of the tragedy, followed by an annual stipend of $11,000.
New York Post
28-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Griffin Canning's struggles doom Mets' win streak in loss to lowly White Sox
Access the Mets beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets. Try it free The Mets moved up Wednesday's start time to avoid the oncoming weather, but even so Griffin Canning rained on the parade. The right-hander has been a success story in this early part of this season but lately walks have sabotaged him. And on this day two errors behind him only exacerbated matters. So much for the sweep against an American League patsy: the Mets lost 9-4 to the White Sox at Citi Field to snap a four-game winning streak. The nine runs allowed were a season-high by the Mets. It was a lost opportunity for the Mets (34-22), who will be visited for three games beginning Friday by a Rockies team on pace to eclipse the modern record for losses in a season that was established last year by the White Sox. 6 Mets pitcher Griffin Canning reacts as he walks off the mound after ending the third inning. JASON SZENES/NY POST This version of the White Sox isn't much better, with 38 losses in 56 games. About the only positive development for the Mets was lefty reliever Brandon Waddell absorbed five innings, allowing manager Carlos Mendoza to rest a bullpen that has received plenty of high-leverage work. Thursday's off day will provide a further break for that group. In his shortest non-weather affected start of the season, Canning lasted only three innings and allowed five runs, two of which were unearned, on four hits and four walks with three strikeouts. In his previous start, last Friday, the right-hander pitched only 2 2/3 innings but was removed following a lengthy rain delay. 6 Mets third baseman Mark Vientos watches his three run home run during the third inning. JASON SZENES/NY POST But Canning also struggled that night, walking four batters and allowing three earned runs against the Dodgers. Andrew Benintendi stroked a two-run single in the first inning to begin Canning's rough afternoon. Mike Tauchman's walk started the rally and Miguel Vargas doubled Tauchman to third before Benintendi delivered. Consecutive errors to begin the third helped sink the Mets further. Brett Baty committed a throwing error before Jeff McNeil booted a grounder, giving the White Sox runners on first and second. 6 White Sox Mike Tauchman hits a two-run RBI double in the second inning. JASON SZENES/NY POST 6 White Sox Korey Lee is safe at second base on a fielders choice beating the tag by New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor in the second inning. JASON SZENES/NY POST Tauchman unleashed a two-out double that scored both runners to widen the Mets' deficit to 4-0. Canning's troubles worsened in the third, when he surrendered a leadoff double to Lenyn Sosa. After Edgar Quero walked and an ensuing sacrifice bunt, Josh Rojas gave the White Sox a 5-0 lead with an RBI ground out. 6 Mets outfielder Juan Soto grounds out to third base in the first inning. JASON SZENES/NY POST Canning issued another walk in the inning, to No. 9 hitter Michael A. Taylor, before escaping. Mark Vientos' three-run homer against Shane Smith in the third got the Mets back into the game. Brandon Nimmo and Juan Soto drew consecutive walks to begin the inning before Vientos, with two outs, cleared the right-field fence for his sixth homer of the season. 6 White Sox Josh Rojas beats the ball to the plate scoring on Mike Tauchman's two-run RBI double in the second inning. JASON SZENES/NY POST The White Sox scored twice in the sixth against Waddell in extending their lead to 7-3. Benintendi stroked an RBI triple to right field and scored on Sosa's single. Tauchman doubled to start the rally. Rojas' double in the seventh gave the White Sox runners on second and third before Taylor's sacrifice fly pushed the Mets into an 8-3 hole. Benintendi homered in the eighth, leaving him a double short of the cycle.
New York Post
18-05-2025
- Business
- New York Post
NYC leads the pack in post-pandemic return to office
Five years on, New York City office building foot traffic has all but recovered from the 'work from home' losses caused by the pandemic — and here's the proof. Visits to office buildings in April were a mere 5.5% below April 2019 levels, authoritative platform found, making the Big Apple the nation's clear leader in back-to-office trends. Although office visits were also up in most other major US cities compared with the previous month, their average April attendance was 30.7% below 2019's average, according to Advertisement 3 Visits to NYC office buildings last month were just 5.5% below April 2019 levels, platform found, making the Big Apple the nation's clear leader in back-to-office trends. Christopher Sadowski Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco brought up the rear, with April office visits 42% to 44% below 2019 levels. analyzes cell phone data to determine foot traffic. It covers 1,000 buildings nationwide but doesn't say how many are in each city. The data confirm the larger trend that Realty Check has long observed. It's great news for developers and landlords still beleaugered by reduced property values and high interest rates. Advertisement But while Manhattan office attendance is clearly surging, is it truly back to 94.5% of pre-pandemic averages, as says? It sure looks that way on Park and Sixth avenues in Midtown, at Hudson Yards and Manhattan West, and at or near the World Trade Center. Office tower lobbies and sidewalks are busy as they haven't been since before March 2019. The large new leases and expansions we've reported since Jan. 1 — by Amazon, Aquarian Holdings, Amalgamated Bank and several law firms — testify to an appetite for space undeterred by 'hybrid' trends. Advertisement 3 Large new leases and expansions this year, including deals by by Amazon, Aquarian Holdings, Amalgamated Bank, and several law firms testify to an appetite for space undeterred by 'hybrid' trends. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST We've written repeatedly that large-scale office returns were taking place even before JPMorgan Chase, Apple, Alphabet and other major companies dragged employees kicking and whining to their desks this year. Even so, let's raise a few polite qualifiers about report. Ongoing conversions of scores of obsolete office towers to apartments removed a significant number of sparsely-populated office buildings from the inventory over the past three years — and, presumably, from analysis. Advertisement And we wish would share at least some of the locations it monitors — a lack of transparency that also afflicts the notoriously opaque, widely discredited Kastle Back-to-Work Barometer. 3 JPMorgan Chase, Apple, Alphabet, and other major companies this year ordered employees back to their desks. Christopher Sadowski But even after nitpickings, it's obvious that is immeasurably more accurate than Kastle's survey, which was mainly a marketing gimmick for the company's security services. The 'barometer' counts card-swipes only in mostly Class-B buildings where Kastle provides the services. Executives of the largest real estate companies, such as publicly-traded SL Green and privately-held Related Companies — neither of whose buildings are monitored by Kastle — have told us since mid-2024 that WFH was in the rear-view mirror and no longer a factor in decision-making by landlords or tenants. Even so, many media accounts continued to cite Kastle's lowball claims of 55% office occupancy as recently as last summer — until the preponderance of evidence made it wiser to ignore.
