Secret Oath made a remarkable comeback in the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs, securing a two-length victory over favorite Nest. This win marked the fifth Kentucky Oaks triumph for the legendary 86-year-old trainer D. Wayne Lukas, and his first since 1990.

Starting from the rail in a field of 14, Secret Oath initially stayed in the middle of the pack as Yuugiri set the pace. However, the chestnut filly steadily advanced, moving into contention by the far turn and ultimately surging along the rail to take the lead. Despite a strong push from Nest in the final stretch, Secret Oath maintained her lead to the finish line.

Luis Saez rode Secret Oath to victory, covering the 1 1/8th mile on a good track in 1:49.44. The win earned Secret Oath her fifth career victory in eight starts and a prize of $767,250. Nest, the 2-1 favorite, returned $4.20 and $3.20 to place, while Desert Dawn paid $15.40 to show.

This year's Kentucky Oaks was particularly special as Churchill Downs returned to full capacity for the first time since 2019, following two years of limited spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Race fans enthusiastically returned, with women donning colorful hats and men in bright suits puffing cigars, creating a vibrant atmosphere beneath the iconic Twin Spires.

Much of the pre-race attention was on Nest, the 5-2 morning line favorite, who had dominated the Ashland Stakes at Keeneland by 8 1/4 lengths nearly a month ago. Despite a strong performance, Nest couldn't overtake Secret Oath, who delivered a stellar performance to claim the victory.

This win not only highlighted Secret Oath's talent but also underscored D. Wayne Lukas' enduring legacy in the world of horse racing. With this victory, Lukas continues to cement his place as one of the sport's most successful trainers.