Condition of Lukas Is Upgraded to Fair

Thoroughbred trainer Jeff Lukas made further progress Thursday from injuries suffered when he was hit by a runaway horse Dec. 15.

His condition has been upgraded to fair.

Lukas, 36, had been listed in serious but stable condition since he was moved recently from the surgical intensive care unit at Huntington Memorial Hospital to a private room.

“He’s definitely doing better,” said trainer Randy Bradshaw, a former Lukas assistant and family friend. “He did have some help brushing his teeth and shaving, but that’s certainly to be expected.

“He’s still very weak, but I’m sure he’ll continue to get stronger. Being in bed for 30 days takes its toll, your muscles deteriorate. It’ll take time to get his strength back.”

Lukas is the only son of Eclipse Award-winning trainer Wayne Lukas, who said Wednesday that Jeff had been taken off all life-support systems and he had gradually come out of his coma.