D. Wayne Lukas To Speak At 2016 Super Convention
The committee for the 2016 Super Convention, which will host the UPHA, American Hackney Horse Society, American Morgan Horse, and American Saddlebred Horse Associations, is pleased to announce that U.S. Racing Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas will be the headline speaker for the February 9 - 13 convention. This monumental gathering of organizations will take place at the Westin Waterfront in Boston.
Lukas, a former high school teacher and basketball coach, began training Quarter Horses in 1968 and in ten years time could claim 24 world champions. He switched to Thoroughbreds and was the first trainer to earn more than $100 million in purse money. At this point in his career Lukas has been the top money winner 14 times.
In 1980, Lukas had his first Triple Crown race winner as Codex won the Preakness Stakes. His record includes more Triple Crown race winners than any other trainer, including the Kentucky Derby (4) times, the Preakness Stakes (6) times and the Belmont Stakes (4) times. In 1995 he won all three races with two different horses: Thunder Gulch (Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes) and Timber Country (Preakness). Additionally, Lukas's Breeder's Cup entries have a record 20 times.
The Super Convention committee is pleased to be able to present a horseman of this stature to share his stories and wisdom. Other speakers include Jay Hickey from the American Horse Council and equine marketing specialist Patti Colbert. These and other noted speakers will be a part of the educational forums where attendees will "Celebrate the Past, Learn about the Present, and Prepare for the Future!" These discussions and educational opportunities will be geared for show and sport horse enthusiasts, breeders and AOTs. The focus of these forums will be how all aspects of our respective breeds (American Saddlebred, Hackney, and Morgan Horse) relate to one another and how all elements are needed for the breeds to successfully sustain into the future.
In addition to the educational opportunities for attendees, there will be plenty of time for entertainment and enjoying the city of Boston. On Wednesday, February 10 the Boston Celtics will be playing the Los Angeles Clippers and a couple of suites will be secured for those interested in attending the game. Costs for this outing will be available shortly. Anyone interested in this event should contact Bob Funkhouser. Plans are for that same evening to have a theater option. More details on that event to come.
On Thursday evening the Welcome Party will be held at the iconic Legal Seafood Harborside. Helen Rich has generously sponsored this evening, which will offer great views, food, entertainment and camaraderie. A selection of foods representing the Boston area will be part of the Friday evening heavy hors d'oeuvres and cocktails prior to that evening's awards ceremony. There will be plenty of time Friday evening following the awards for attendees to go to dinner or explore the city. Saturday evening's finale will be the Black and White Gala with a Tony Award winning performer entertaining in between the presentation of the top awards from each association.
These are just a few of the highlights for what promises to be a memorable gathering of equine enthusiasts. For more information and updates please visit www.thesuperconvention.com.
