DERBY DAY '96 ON THE BACKSIDE

The backside on Derby Day is filled with cookout parties around the barns, children getting rides on the ponies, and a great view of the big crowd under the twin spires. "Cats In The Hats" were in abundance at the parties because some race fans are STILL celebrating the University of Kentucky NCAA championship.

Charlie Whittingham drew the biggest cheer from the backside crowd as he walked over with his horse, Corker, who finished eleventh. Mr. Whittingham is a hero and role model for many of the race trackers who live most of their life on the backside.

Unbridled's Song with Mike Smith up, washed out badly in the paddock and during the warmup.Grindstone (#4) warming up with Jerry Bailey, is owned by W.T. Young's Overbrook Farm, and is trained by the ever-confident D. Wayne Lukas.

Cavonnier (#3) with Chris McCarron, and Prince Of Thieves (#8) with Pat Day, are also shown warming up. The Derby crowd made Prince Of Thieves an early favorite.

Unbridled's Song got the lead early on the backstretch, but could not hold it and finished fifth. The winning time for Grindstone was 2:01 on a fast track. Cavonnier ran a photo-finish second, and Prince Of Thieves held on for third. Grindstone's time was the sixth fastest in Derby history, and his share of a record Derby purse is $869,800.
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