Trainer Lukas hospitalized after horse kicked him in the head

NEW YORK (AP) -- Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas was hospitalized on Tuesday after one of his horses reared up and kicked him in the head.

The 74-year-old Lukas said from the hospital that he will be fine and he expects to return to the track on Wednesday.

Jockey agent Ron Anderson says Lukas was in his barn at Belmont Park when Hamazing Destiny reared up and struck him. Anderson says Lukas was conscious and talking but will need stitches.

He is scheduled to saddle Optimizer in Saturday's Belmont Stakes, where Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner I'll Have Another will try to become the first horse to win the Triple Crown since 1978.

Lukas has four Kentucky Derby victories, five Preakness wins and four victories in the Belmont. He has saddled 4,467 winners and earned of more than $259 million.