India, June 30 -- D. Wayne Lukas, the iconic American horse trainer who won the Kentucky Derby four times, passed away Saturday at his home in Louisville, Kentucky. He was 89.

"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, ESPN reported.

"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."

Lukas's remarkable career spanned ...